CVE-2022-24846 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting GeoWebCache, a Java-based tile caching server commonly used in geospatial web services. The vulnerability arises from improper input validation (CWE-20) in the disk quota mechanism of GeoWebCache, which performs unchecked JNDI (Java Naming and Directory Interface) lookups. This flaw allows an attacker to trigger class deserialization through crafted JNDI strings, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution on the affected system. In GeoWebCache, these JNDI strings are configured locally via configuration files, limiting remote exploitation. However, in GeoServer—a related product that integrates GeoWebCache—a user interface exists that allows remote administrators (with admin-level login) to perform similar JNDI lookups. These lookups are unrestricted in scope, increasing the risk of remote code execution if an attacker gains admin credentials. The vulnerability affects GeoWebCache versions >= 1.20.0 and < 1.20.2, as well as versions below 1.19.3. The vendor has indicated that upcoming releases (1.21.0, 1.20.2, 1.19.3) will restrict these lookups to mitigate the issue. No known exploits have been reported in the wild to date. The root cause is a lack of validation on input used in JNDI lookups, which is a critical operation in Java environments because it can lead to deserialization of untrusted data, a common vector for remote code execution attacks. Given that exploitation requires either local file modification or admin-level access in GeoServer, the attack surface is somewhat limited but still significant in environments where administrative credentials may be compromised or insider threats exist.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on GeoWebCache or GeoServer for geospatial data services, such as government agencies, environmental monitoring bodies, urban planning departments, and private sector companies in logistics or utilities. Successful exploitation could lead to arbitrary code execution, allowing attackers to execute malicious payloads, potentially compromising confidentiality, integrity, and availability of critical geospatial infrastructure. This could result in unauthorized data access or manipulation, service disruption, or use of the compromised server as a pivot point for further network intrusion. Given the integration of GeoWebCache in many spatial data infrastructures across Europe, exploitation could affect critical national infrastructure and public services. The requirement for admin-level access in GeoServer reduces the likelihood of remote exploitation but does not eliminate risk, particularly if credential theft or insider threats occur. The vulnerability’s impact is amplified in environments where patching is delayed or where administrative access controls are weak.

1. Upgrade affected GeoWebCache instances to versions 1.21.0, 1.20.2, or 1.19.3 or later, where JNDI lookups are restricted and input validation is improved. 2. For GeoServer deployments, enforce strict administrative access controls, including multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin accounts, to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Audit and monitor configuration files and user interface activities related to JNDI lookups to detect unauthorized changes or suspicious behavior. 4. Implement network segmentation to isolate GeoWebCache and GeoServer servers from broader enterprise networks, limiting lateral movement in case of compromise. 5. Employ runtime application self-protection (RASP) or Java security manager policies to restrict deserialization and JNDI lookup capabilities where possible. 6. Regularly review and harden Java runtime environments, disabling unnecessary JNDI protocols and restricting outbound network calls from the server. 7. Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing focused on administrative interfaces and configuration management to identify potential weaknesses. 8. Maintain up-to-date backups and incident response plans tailored to geospatial infrastructure to ensure rapid recovery if exploitation occurs.