CVE-2022-22980: SpEL Injection in Spring Data MongoDB

Background

Spring Data MongoDB is a library that provides a high-level abstraction for interacting with MongoDB databases in Spring applications. It simplifies the development process by offering convenient features and utilities for querying and manipulating data. However, a vulnerability has been discovered in Spring Data MongoDB that allows for SpEL (Spring Expression Language) Injection. This vulnerability affects versions 0 to 3.3.5 and 3.4.0 to 3.4.1 of the 'org.springframework.data:spring-data-mongodb' package.

Vulnerability Detail

The SpEL Injection vulnerability arises when using @Query or @Aggregation-annotated query methods with SpEL expressions that contain query parameter placeholders for value binding. If the input is not properly sanitized, an attacker can inject malicious SpEL expressions, leading to unauthorized data access, data manipulation, or even remote code execution. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 9.0, indicating its critical severity.

Workaround

As a temporary workaround, it is advised to sanitize and validate user input before using it in SpEL expressions. Implement input validation and restrict the use of user-supplied values in SpEL expressions to prevent potential injection attacks. Here is an example of how to sanitize user input in a Spring Data MongoDB query method:

import org.springframework.data.mongodb.core.query.Criteria;
import org.springframework.data.mongodb.core.query.Query;

public class UserRepository {

  public User findUserByUsername(String username) {
    String sanitizedUsername = sanitizeInput(username);
    Query query = new Query(Criteria.where("username").is(sanitizedUsername));
    return mongoTemplate.findOne(query, User.class);
  }

  private String sanitizeInput(String input) {
    // Implement input sanitization logic
    return input;
  }

}

Conclusion

The SpEL Injection vulnerability in Spring Data MongoDB can have severe consequences if left unaddressed. It is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions or apply the provided workaround to mitigate the risk of injection attacks. For further assistance or support in remediating this vulnerability, please contact DevNack.com.

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