CVE-2022-44280 is a directory traversal vulnerability affecting Automotive Shop Management System (ASMS) version 1.0. The vulnerability exists in the /asms/classes/Master.php endpoint, specifically when handling the 'delete_img' function parameter. An attacker with high privileges (PR:H) can exploit this flaw to delete arbitrary files on the server by manipulating the file path input. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory), indicating that the application does not properly sanitize or validate user-supplied file paths, allowing traversal outside the intended directory. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 6.5 (medium severity), with attack vector being network (AV:N), low attack complexity (AC:L), requiring high privileges (PR:H), no user interaction (UI:N), unchanged scope (S:U), no confidentiality impact (C:N), but high impact on integrity (I:H) and availability (A:H). This means that while the attacker must already have elevated access, they can cause significant damage by deleting critical files, potentially disrupting service availability and compromising system integrity. No patches or known exploits in the wild have been reported as of the publication date (November 23, 2022). The vulnerability is significant in environments where ASMS v1.0 is deployed and where privilege escalation or insider threats are possible. Given the nature of the system (automotive shop management), the impact could extend to operational disruptions in automotive service providers relying on this software for business-critical functions.

For European organizations, particularly automotive service providers and repair shops using ASMS v1.0, this vulnerability poses a risk of operational disruption due to the deletion of critical files on the management system server. The integrity and availability of the system can be severely compromised, potentially leading to loss of service, data loss, and interruption of business processes. This could affect customer service, scheduling, inventory management, and billing operations. Additionally, if the system is integrated with other internal networks or connected to broader enterprise IT infrastructure, the deletion of files might cascade into wider operational issues. Although the vulnerability requires high privileges, insider threats or attackers who have gained elevated access through other means could exploit this to cause damage. The lack of confidentiality impact reduces the risk of data leakage, but the high integrity and availability impact still represent a significant threat to business continuity. Given the automotive sector's importance in Europe and the reliance on specialized management software, the vulnerability could have a tangible impact on affected organizations.

Implement strict access controls and monitoring to ensure that only authorized personnel have high-level privileges required to exploit this vulnerability. Conduct a thorough audit of user privileges and remove unnecessary administrative rights to minimize the risk of insider exploitation. Apply input validation and sanitization on file path parameters within the ASMS application to prevent directory traversal attacks; if source code access is available, patch the Master.php script to properly restrict file deletion paths. Isolate the ASMS server within a segmented network zone to limit lateral movement in case of compromise. Regularly back up critical files and system configurations to enable rapid recovery in the event of file deletion or system disruption. Monitor logs for unusual file deletion requests or access patterns targeting the /asms/classes/Master.php endpoint. Engage with the software vendor or community to obtain patches or updates addressing this vulnerability; if none are available, consider alternative software solutions or additional compensating controls. Implement application-layer firewalls or web application firewalls (WAFs) with rules to detect and block suspicious requests attempting directory traversal or unauthorized file deletions.