CVE-2022-45326 is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection vulnerability identified in Kwoksys Kwok Information Server versions prior to 2.9.5.SP31. This vulnerability allows remote authenticated users to exploit the XML parser by injecting malicious external entity references within XML input. The flaw stems from improper handling of XML input, enabling attackers to perform server-side request forgery (SSRF) attacks. SSRF attacks can be leveraged to make the vulnerable server initiate unauthorized requests to internal or external systems, potentially exposing sensitive internal resources or enabling further exploitation. The vulnerability requires authentication, which limits exploitation to users with valid credentials, but does not require user interaction beyond that. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 4.9 (medium severity), reflecting the network attack vector with low attack complexity, high privileges required, no user interaction, unchanged scope, high confidentiality impact, and no impact on integrity or availability. No known public exploits or patches have been reported as of the published date. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611, which covers improper restriction of XML external entity references in XML processors.

For European organizations using Kwoksys Kwok Information Server, this vulnerability poses a risk primarily to confidentiality. An attacker with valid credentials could exploit the XXE flaw to perform SSRF attacks, potentially accessing internal network resources, sensitive files, or metadata that should be protected. This could lead to unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, including internal system details or configuration data. Although the vulnerability does not directly affect integrity or availability, the SSRF capability could be chained with other vulnerabilities or misconfigurations to escalate impact. Given that exploitation requires authentication, the threat is more relevant to organizations with many users or weak access controls. The impact is heightened in sectors with sensitive data such as government, finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where internal network confidentiality is paramount. The absence of known exploits reduces immediate risk but does not eliminate the threat, especially if attackers develop proof-of-concept code. The medium severity rating suggests that while the vulnerability is not critical, it should be addressed promptly to prevent potential data leaks and lateral movement within networks.

1. Upgrade Kwoksys Kwok Information Server to version 2.9.5.SP31 or later where the vulnerability is fixed. 2. If immediate upgrade is not possible, restrict access to the application to trusted users and networks only, minimizing exposure. 3. Implement strict authentication and authorization controls to limit the number of users with access and reduce the risk of credential compromise. 4. Monitor application logs for unusual or unexpected XML input patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts. 5. Employ network segmentation to isolate the server from sensitive internal resources, limiting the impact of SSRF attacks. 6. Use web application firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block XML external entity payloads or suspicious SSRF traffic. 7. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focusing on XML processing components. 8. Educate administrators and users about the risks of XXE and SSRF vulnerabilities and the importance of credential security.