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CVE-2022-40756: n/a in n/a

High
VulnerabilityCVE-2022-40756cvecve-2022-40756
Published: Fri Sep 30 2022 (09/30/2022, 18:15:21 UTC)
Source: CVE
Vendor/Project: n/a
Product: n/a

Description

If folder security is misconfigured for Actian Zen PSQL BEFORE Patch Update 1 for Zen 15 SP1 (v15.11.005), Patch Update 4 for Zen 15 (v15.01.017), or Patch Update 5 for Zen 14 SP2 (v14.21.022), it can allow an attacker (with file read/write access) to remove specific security files in order to reset the master password and gain access to the database.

AI-Powered Analysis

AILast updated: 07/03/2025, 14:57:40 UTC

Technical Analysis

CVE-2022-40756 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Actian Zen PSQL database software versions prior to Patch Update 1 for Zen 15 SP1 (v15.11.005), Patch Update 4 for Zen 15 (v15.01.017), and Patch Update 5 for Zen 14 SP2 (v14.21.022). The vulnerability arises from improper folder security configurations that allow an attacker with existing file read/write access on the system to delete specific security files. By removing these files, the attacker can effectively reset the master password of the database, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the database contents. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-732, which relates to incorrect permissions or privileges on critical files or directories. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 8.8, indicating a high severity level, with an attack vector of network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring low privileges (PR:L), no user interaction (UI:N), and impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability (C:H/I:H/A:H). The vulnerability does not require user interaction but does require the attacker to have some level of file system access (read/write) on the host machine. Exploitation could lead to full compromise of the database, including data theft, data manipulation, or denial of service by corrupting or deleting data. No known exploits in the wild have been reported yet, but the potential impact is significant given the critical nature of database security. The vulnerability underscores the importance of correct folder permission settings to prevent unauthorized file deletions that can bypass authentication mechanisms.

Potential Impact

For European organizations using Actian Zen PSQL databases, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. If exploited, attackers could gain full access to sensitive databases, leading to potential data breaches involving personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property theft, or disruption of critical business operations. The ability to reset the master password without proper authorization undermines the integrity and confidentiality of the database systems. This could result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and financial losses. Organizations in sectors such as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and government, where Actian Zen PSQL might be deployed for critical applications, are particularly at risk. The requirement for file read/write access means that attackers might leverage other vulnerabilities or insider threats to gain initial access, making layered security controls essential. The high CVSS score reflects the broad impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, emphasizing the need for urgent remediation to prevent potential exploitation.

Mitigation Recommendations

To mitigate this vulnerability, European organizations should: 1) Immediately apply the relevant patches provided by Actian for Zen 15 SP1, Zen 15, and Zen 14 SP2 as specified in the advisory. 2) Audit and harden folder and file permissions related to the Actian Zen PSQL installation directories to ensure that only authorized system accounts have read/write access, preventing unauthorized deletion of security files. 3) Implement strict access controls and monitoring on systems hosting the database to detect and prevent unauthorized file system access. 4) Employ endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify suspicious file operations indicative of exploitation attempts. 5) Conduct regular security reviews and penetration testing focusing on file system permissions and database security configurations. 6) Educate system administrators on secure configuration practices and the importance of patch management. 7) Consider network segmentation and least privilege principles to limit exposure of database servers to untrusted users or networks. These steps go beyond generic advice by focusing on the specific vector of file system permission misconfiguration and the necessity of patching.

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Technical Details

Data Version
5.1
Assigner Short Name
mitre
Date Reserved
2022-09-16T00:00:00.000Z
Cisa Enriched
true
Cvss Version
3.1
State
PUBLISHED

Threat ID: 682cd0f71484d88663aeaee0

Added to database: 5/20/2025, 6:59:03 PM

Last enriched: 7/3/2025, 2:57:40 PM

Last updated: 8/11/2025, 2:09:57 PM

Views: 14

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