CVE-2022-37865 is a critical directory traversal vulnerability in Apache Ivy versions 2.4.0 through 2.5.0. Apache Ivy is a dependency management tool widely used in Java projects to automate the retrieval and management of project dependencies. Starting with version 2.4.0, Ivy introduced an optional packaging attribute that allows artifacts to be unpacked on the fly if they use pack200 or zip packaging formats. However, for artifacts packaged as "zip", "jar", or "war", Ivy versions prior to 2.5.1 do not properly validate the target extraction paths. This lack of validation enables an attacker to craft malicious archive files containing absolute paths or directory traversal sequences (e.g., "..") that can cause Ivy to write files outside the intended extraction directory. Consequently, an attacker can create or overwrite arbitrary files anywhere on the file system where the user running Ivy has write permissions. This can lead to arbitrary code execution, privilege escalation, or denial of service by overwriting critical system or application files. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.1, indicating a critical severity level. The attack vector is network-based, requires no privileges or user interaction, and impacts the integrity and availability of the system. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the ease of exploitation and potential impact make this a significant threat. Users of Apache Ivy versions 2.4.0 up to 2.5.0 are strongly advised to upgrade to version 2.5.1, where the vulnerability has been fixed by implementing proper path validation during archive extraction.

For European organizations, this vulnerability poses a substantial risk, especially those relying on Apache Ivy for Java dependency management in their build and deployment pipelines. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized file creation or overwriting, potentially allowing attackers to implant malicious code, alter application behavior, or disrupt services. This can compromise the integrity of software builds, leading to supply chain attacks or the deployment of backdoored applications. Additionally, overwriting critical system files could cause denial of service or system instability. Given the network-exploitable nature and lack of required authentication, attackers could remotely target vulnerable build servers or continuous integration environments. The impact extends to intellectual property theft, operational disruption, and reputational damage. Organizations in sectors with stringent regulatory requirements, such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, face increased compliance risks if this vulnerability is exploited. Moreover, the widespread use of Java and Apache Ivy in European software development amplifies the potential attack surface.

European organizations should take immediate action to mitigate this vulnerability by upgrading all Apache Ivy installations to version 2.5.1 or later, where the issue is resolved. Build and DevOps teams should audit their dependency management configurations to identify any use of vulnerable Ivy versions. Additionally, implement strict access controls and run build tools with the least privileges necessary to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Employ file system monitoring to detect unauthorized file creation or modification during build processes. Integrate artifact verification and integrity checks to detect tampered dependencies. Network segmentation and firewall rules should restrict access to build servers to trusted personnel and systems only. Regularly review and update software supply chain security policies to include checks for such vulnerabilities. Finally, consider implementing runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect anomalous file system activities indicative of exploitation attempts.