CVE-2022-46364 is a critical Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability identified in the Apache CXF framework, an open-source services framework widely used for building and developing web services. The vulnerability specifically arises from the improper parsing of the href attribute within XOP:Include elements in MTOM (Message Transmission Optimization Mechanism) requests. MTOM is a method used to efficiently send binary data in SOAP messages. In affected versions of Apache CXF prior to 3.5.5 and 3.4.10, an attacker can craft malicious MTOM requests containing specially crafted href attributes that cause the server to make unintended HTTP or network requests. This SSRF flaw allows attackers to coerce the vulnerable server into initiating requests to internal or external systems, potentially bypassing network access controls. Because the vulnerability affects any web service method that accepts at least one parameter, the attack surface is broad. The vulnerability does not require authentication or user interaction, and the CVSS 3.1 base score is 9.8, reflecting its critical severity with high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Exploitation can lead to unauthorized internal network scanning, data exfiltration, or interaction with internal services that are otherwise inaccessible externally. Although no known exploits have been reported in the wild as of the publication date, the ease of exploitation and the critical nature of the flaw make it a significant risk for organizations using vulnerable Apache CXF versions. No official patch links were provided in the source data, but upgrading to Apache CXF versions 3.5.5 or 3.4.10 and later is recommended to remediate the vulnerability.

For European organizations, the impact of CVE-2022-46364 can be substantial, especially for enterprises and government agencies relying on Apache CXF for their web services infrastructure. Successful exploitation can lead to unauthorized access to internal networks, potentially exposing sensitive data or internal services that are not intended to be publicly accessible. This could result in data breaches, disruption of critical services, or lateral movement within the network by attackers. Given the critical CVSS score and the lack of required authentication, attackers can remotely exploit this vulnerability without prior access, increasing the risk of widespread compromise. Industries such as finance, healthcare, telecommunications, and public sector entities that utilize SOAP-based web services are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could also be leveraged to bypass network segmentation controls, leading to further compromise of internal systems. Additionally, the potential for availability impact means that critical services could be disrupted, affecting business continuity.

Upgrade Apache CXF to versions 3.5.5 or 3.4.10 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Implement strict input validation and sanitization for all incoming MTOM requests, particularly scrutinizing href attributes in XOP:Include elements. Deploy network-level controls such as egress filtering and internal firewall rules to restrict outbound HTTP requests from web service hosts, limiting the ability of SSRF attacks to reach internal or external targets. Monitor web service logs for unusual or unexpected MTOM requests, especially those containing suspicious href values that could indicate exploitation attempts. Use Web Application Firewalls (WAFs) with custom rules to detect and block malformed or suspicious SOAP/MTOM payloads targeting this vulnerability. Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing focused on web services to identify potential SSRF and related vulnerabilities. Isolate critical web service infrastructure in segmented network zones with minimal necessary access to reduce the impact of potential SSRF exploitation.