CVE-2022-39055 is a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in version 3 of the RAVA certificate validation system developed by Changing Information Technology Inc. SSRF vulnerabilities occur when an attacker can manipulate a server to make HTTP requests to unintended locations, often internal network resources that are otherwise inaccessible externally. In this case, the vulnerability arises due to inadequate filtering of a URL parameter within the RAVA system. This flaw allows an unauthenticated remote attacker to craft malicious requests that the server will execute, enabling the attacker to probe and discover internal network topology based on the server's query responses. The vulnerability does not require any authentication or user interaction, making it easier to exploit remotely. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 5.3 (medium severity), reflecting that the impact is limited to confidentiality (disclosure of internal network information) without affecting integrity or availability. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no patches have been linked yet. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-918, which specifically relates to SSRF issues. This vulnerability could be leveraged by attackers to map internal network structures, potentially facilitating further targeted attacks or lateral movement within an organization’s infrastructure if combined with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations.

For European organizations using the RAVA certificate validation system, this SSRF vulnerability poses a moderate risk primarily related to confidentiality breaches. By exploiting this flaw, attackers can gain insight into internal network configurations, such as internal IP addresses, services, and possibly sensitive infrastructure details that are not exposed externally. This reconnaissance capability can be a critical first step in more sophisticated attacks, including lateral movement, privilege escalation, or targeted exploitation of internal systems. While the vulnerability does not directly compromise data integrity or availability, the exposure of internal network topology can weaken an organization's security posture. European organizations in sectors with high security requirements—such as finance, healthcare, government, and critical infrastructure—may find this vulnerability particularly concerning. Additionally, the unauthenticated nature of the exploit increases the risk of automated scanning and exploitation attempts. However, the absence of known active exploits and the medium CVSS score suggest that immediate widespread impact may be limited, but organizations should not underestimate the potential for this vulnerability to be used as a stepping stone in multi-stage attacks.

Given the lack of an official patch, European organizations should implement specific mitigations to reduce the risk of exploitation. First, network-level controls should be enforced to restrict outbound HTTP requests from the RAVA server to only trusted and necessary destinations, effectively limiting the SSRF attack surface. Web application firewalls (WAFs) can be configured to detect and block suspicious URL parameters or unusual request patterns indicative of SSRF attempts. Input validation should be enhanced by implementing strict whitelisting of allowed URL schemes and domains within the application, rejecting any requests that do not conform. Organizations should also conduct internal network segmentation to minimize the exposure of sensitive internal services to the RAVA system. Monitoring and logging of all requests made by the RAVA system should be enabled to detect anomalous activity that could indicate exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should maintain close communication with Changing Information Technology Inc. for updates on patches or official fixes and plan for timely application once available.