Platform
cisco
Component
cisco-email-security-appliance-and-cisco-secure-email-and-web-manager
CVE-2022-20798 describes an authentication bypass vulnerability in Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) and Cisco Secure Email and Web Manager (formerly SMA). This flaw allows an unauthenticated, remote attacker to circumvent authentication mechanisms and gain unauthorized access to the web management interface. The vulnerability stems from improper authentication checks when LDAP is used for external authentication. Affected versions are prior to a currently unavailable fixed release.
Successful exploitation of CVE-2022-20798 grants an attacker complete control over the affected ESA or SMA device's web management interface. This includes the ability to modify configurations, access sensitive data (email content, user credentials), and potentially pivot to other systems on the network. Given the critical role ESAs and SMAs play in email security, a compromised device could lead to widespread data breaches, malware propagation, and disruption of email services. The impact is magnified if the device is used to manage multiple domains or has access to sensitive internal resources. This vulnerability shares similarities with other authentication bypass flaws where attackers can leverage misconfigured or vulnerable authentication protocols to gain elevated privileges.
CVE-2022-20798 was publicly disclosed on June 15, 2022. The vulnerability's criticality and ease of exploitation suggest a high probability of exploitation. While no active exploitation campaigns have been publicly confirmed, the lack of a fixed version increases the risk. Monitor security advisories and threat intelligence feeds for any indications of exploitation. This CVE is not currently listed on CISA KEV.
Exploit Status
EPSS
1.31% (80% percentile)
CVSS Vector
Due to the lack of a fixed version provided, immediate mitigation strategies are crucial. Administrators should temporarily disable LDAP authentication if possible, reverting to local authentication methods. Implement strict network segmentation to limit external access to the ESA/SMA management interface. Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with rules to block suspicious LDAP authentication attempts. Monitor logs for unusual login activity and authentication failures. Regularly review and harden LDAP configurations to prevent future exploitation. Continuously monitor Cisco's security advisories for a firmware update that addresses this vulnerability. After a fix is released, upgrade to the patched version and verify successful authentication by attempting a standard login and confirming LDAP authentication is functioning as expected.
Update Cisco Email Security Appliance (ESA) and Cisco Secure Email and Web Manager to a version that is not vulnerable. See the Cisco advisory for details on the fixed versions and upgrade instructions.
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CVE-2022-20798 is a critical vulnerability in Cisco Email Security Appliance and Cisco Secure Email and Web Manager allowing unauthenticated attackers to bypass authentication via LDAP and access the management interface.
You are affected if you are using Cisco Email Security Appliance or Cisco Secure Email and Web Manager prior to the currently unavailable fixed version. Check your device's version against Cisco's advisory.
Upgrade to the fixed version as soon as it is released by Cisco. Until then, disable LDAP authentication and implement WAF rules to mitigate the risk.
While no active exploitation campaigns have been publicly confirmed, the vulnerability's criticality and lack of a fix increase the risk of exploitation.
Refer to the official Cisco Security Advisory for CVE-2022-20798: https://sec.cloudapps.cisco.com/security/center/content/CiscoSecurityAdvisory/cisco-sa-esa-sma-auth-bypass-20220615
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