CVE-2022-31161 is a command injection vulnerability affecting Roxy-WI, a web-based interface used for managing HAProxy, Nginx, and Keepalived servers. The vulnerability exists in versions prior to 6.1.1.0 due to improper input sanitization in the subprocess_execute function located in the /app/options.py file. Specifically, user inputs are passed directly to system commands without adequate neutralization of special characters or command delimiters, allowing an attacker to inject arbitrary commands. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-77 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command) and CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code), indicating that the flaw arises from insufficient validation and control over command execution inputs. Exploitation of this vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary system commands with the privileges of the Roxy-WI application, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, increasing its risk profile. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and the critical role of Roxy-WI in managing key network infrastructure components make this a significant threat. The vendor addressed the issue in version 6.1.1.0 by implementing proper input validation and sanitization to prevent command injection attacks.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability can be substantial, especially for those relying on Roxy-WI to manage critical load balancing and high-availability infrastructure such as HAProxy, Nginx, and Keepalived. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized remote code execution, enabling attackers to disrupt service availability, manipulate traffic routing, or exfiltrate sensitive configuration data. This could result in downtime of essential web services, degradation of network performance, and potential data breaches. Given that Roxy-WI is often deployed in environments requiring high reliability and security, such as financial institutions, telecommunications, and government agencies, the compromise could have cascading effects on business continuity and regulatory compliance. Additionally, attackers could leverage the compromised systems as pivot points to infiltrate deeper into organizational networks, increasing the risk of widespread damage.

Organizations should immediately verify their Roxy-WI deployment versions and upgrade to version 6.1.1.0 or later where the vulnerability is patched. If immediate upgrade is not feasible, implement strict network segmentation to restrict access to the Roxy-WI management interface, limiting it to trusted administrative networks only. Employ web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block suspicious command injection patterns targeting the /app/options.py endpoint. Conduct thorough input validation on any custom scripts or integrations interacting with Roxy-WI to prevent injection vectors. Regularly audit logs for unusual command execution or access patterns indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, enforce the principle of least privilege for the Roxy-WI service account to minimize the impact of potential compromise. Finally, integrate vulnerability scanning and continuous monitoring to detect outdated versions and anomalous behaviors promptly.