CVE-2022-45462 is a critical command injection vulnerability (CWE-77) found in the Apache DolphinScheduler, an open-source distributed workflow scheduling system developed by the Apache Software Foundation. The vulnerability specifically affects the alarm instance management functionality, where improper neutralization of special elements in commands allows an authenticated user to inject arbitrary commands. This flaw arises when a specific command is configured within the alarm instance management module, enabling an attacker with valid login credentials to execute arbitrary system commands on the underlying server hosting the DolphinScheduler instance. The vulnerability does not require elevated privileges beyond a logged-in user, but it does require authentication, which limits exposure to internal or compromised users. The CVSS v3.1 base score is 9.8, indicating a critical severity with network attack vector, low attack complexity, no privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation could lead to full system compromise, data exfiltration, disruption of scheduled workflows, or lateral movement within the network. Although no known exploits are currently reported in the wild, the high severity and ease of exploitation make it a significant risk. The vendor recommends upgrading to version 2.0.6 or higher to remediate this issue, though no specific patch links are provided in the data. Given the nature of the vulnerability, it is essential for organizations using Apache DolphinScheduler to prioritize patching and review their authentication and command execution controls within the application.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-45462 can be substantial, especially for enterprises relying on Apache DolphinScheduler for critical workflow automation and data pipeline orchestration. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized command execution on servers, resulting in data breaches, disruption of business-critical processes, and potential ransomware deployment or lateral movement within corporate networks. This is particularly concerning for sectors such as finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and public services, where workflow automation is integral to operations. The compromise of scheduling systems could affect data integrity and availability, leading to operational downtime and regulatory compliance violations under GDPR and other data protection laws. Additionally, the ability to execute arbitrary commands could allow attackers to pivot to other internal systems, increasing the scope of the breach. Since the vulnerability requires authentication, insider threats or compromised credentials pose a significant risk vector. The absence of known exploits in the wild does not diminish the urgency, as the critical CVSS score and low complexity make it a prime target for attackers once exploit code becomes available.

1. Immediate upgrade of Apache DolphinScheduler to version 2.0.6 or later, as recommended by the vendor, to apply the official fix addressing the command injection vulnerability. 2. Implement strict access controls and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all users with access to DolphinScheduler to reduce the risk of credential compromise. 3. Conduct a thorough audit of alarm instance configurations to identify and remove or sanitize any custom commands that could be exploited. 4. Employ network segmentation to isolate DolphinScheduler servers from critical infrastructure and sensitive data repositories, limiting the blast radius in case of compromise. 5. Monitor logs and system behavior for unusual command executions or privilege escalations related to DolphinScheduler processes. 6. Use application-layer firewalls or runtime application self-protection (RASP) tools that can detect and block command injection attempts in real-time. 7. Regularly review and update incident response plans to include scenarios involving workflow scheduler compromise. 8. Educate internal users about the risks of credential sharing and phishing attacks that could lead to unauthorized access. These targeted measures go beyond generic patching advice by focusing on configuration hygiene, access management, and detection capabilities specific to the nature of this vulnerability.