CVE-2022-43022 is a SQL injection vulnerability identified in OpenCATS version 0.9.6, specifically affecting the Tag deletion function through the 'tag_id' parameter. OpenCATS is an open-source applicant tracking system used to manage recruitment processes. The vulnerability arises because the 'tag_id' input is not properly sanitized or parameterized before being used in SQL queries, allowing an attacker with at least low-level privileges (PR:L) to inject malicious SQL code remotely (AV:N) without requiring user interaction (UI:N). The vulnerability impacts confidentiality (C:H) but does not affect integrity or availability. Exploiting this flaw could allow an attacker to extract sensitive data from the database, such as candidate information or internal recruitment details, without modifying or deleting data. The CVSS 3.1 base score is 6.5, indicating a medium severity level. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, and no official patches or vendor advisories are listed, which may suggest limited awareness or slower remediation. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-89 (Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command), a common and critical class of injection flaws. Given the nature of OpenCATS as a recruitment tool, the exposure of candidate personal data could have significant privacy and compliance implications.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-43022 can be significant, especially for those using OpenCATS to manage recruitment and HR data. The vulnerability allows unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal data, potentially including names, contact details, employment history, and other personally identifiable information (PII). This exposure risks violating the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which mandates strict controls over personal data processing and breach notification. A successful attack could lead to reputational damage, regulatory fines, and loss of trust from candidates and employees. Since the vulnerability does not affect data integrity or availability, the primary concern is confidentiality breach. However, the ease of remote exploitation with low privileges and no user interaction increases the risk profile. Organizations relying on OpenCATS for recruitment workflows may face operational disruptions if they need to take systems offline for investigation or remediation. Additionally, attackers could use the extracted data for further social engineering or targeted attacks against the organization.

To mitigate CVE-2022-43022, European organizations should first verify if they are running OpenCATS version 0.9.6 or earlier. Immediate steps include restricting access to the Tag deletion functionality to trusted administrators only and implementing network-level controls such as IP whitelisting or VPN access to limit exposure. Since no official patch is currently available, organizations should consider applying manual code reviews and fixes to sanitize and parameterize the 'tag_id' input in SQL queries, following secure coding practices to prevent injection. Employing Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block SQL injection patterns targeting the 'tag_id' parameter can provide temporary protection. Regularly monitoring application logs for suspicious query patterns or repeated failed attempts on the Tag deletion function is recommended. Organizations should also prepare incident response plans to handle potential data breaches, including GDPR notification procedures. Finally, engaging with the OpenCATS community or maintainers to track patch releases and applying updates promptly once available is critical.