Apache CouchDB Remote Code Execution Vulnerability via Default Configuration (CVE-2022-24706)
Executive & SecOps Summary
SECOPS ASSESSMENTApache CouchDB installations prior to version 3.2.2
Unauthenticated attackers can bypass authentication, gain administrative privileges, and execute arbitrary code via Erlang distribution ports
Upgrade Apache CouchDB to version 3.2.2 or higher, and restrict access to Erlang ports (4369, 9100-9200) using a firewall
Affected Products & Version Scope
Remediation & Live Workaround Commands
PATCH & WORKAROUND1. Official Patch & Version Upgrade Commands
Upgrade your Apache CouchDB deployment to version 3.2.2 or later to resolve the default cookie generation issue.
# For Debian/Ubuntu-based systems
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get --only-upgrade install couchdb -y
# For RedHat/CentOS-based systems
sudo yum update couchdb -y2. Temporary Workaround & Hardening Configuration
If upgrading immediately is not feasible, restrict access to the Erlang distribution ports using host-based firewalls and regenerate the Erlang cookie with a secure, random value.
# Block external access to EPMD (4369) and Erlang distribution ports (9100-9200) using iptables
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp -s 127.0.0.1 --dport 4369 -j ACCEPT
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4369 -j DROP
sudo iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 9100:9200 -j DROP3. Log Audit & IoC Verification Commands
Verify the running CouchDB version and inspect the Erlang cookie file permissions.
# Check the running CouchDB version
curl -s http://127.0.0.1:5984/ | grep -i version
# Verify the Erlang cookie file permissions (should be restricted to the couchdb user only)
stat /var/lib/couchdb/.erlang.cookieBlock Exploits Instantly with Managed Virtual Patching Rules
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Technical Root Cause & Exploitation Mechanics
1. Vulnerability Overview & Root Cause
This vulnerability (CVE-2022-24706) arises from an insecure default configuration in the installation process of Apache CouchDB. CouchDB relies on the Erlang/OTP runtime for clustering and node-to-node communication. In affected versions, the Erlang cookie—a shared secret used to authenticate nodes within a cluster—is generated with a weak, predictable, or default value during standard installations, allowing unauthorized access.
2. Exploitation Mechanics & Attack Scenario
Erlang nodes communicate via the Erlang Port Mapper Daemon (EPMD), which listens on TCP port 4369. An attacker who can reach this port or the dynamic Erlang communication ports can authenticate to the Erlang cluster by guessing or using the default Erlang cookie. Once authenticated, the attacker can leverage Erlang's built-in capabilities to execute arbitrary OS commands under the privileges of the CouchDB service account, leading to full Remote Code Execution (RCE).
3. Infrastructure & Business Impact
With a CVSS score of 9.8 and its inclusion in the CISA KEV catalog, this vulnerability poses an extreme risk. Successful exploitation allows complete compromise of the database server, enabling attackers to exfiltrate, modify, or delete sensitive business data, and potentially pivot to other internal systems within the enterprise network.
Official Vendor Advisories & References
In Apache CouchDB prior to 3.2.2, an attacker can access an improperly secured default installation without authenticating and gain admin privileges. The CouchDB documentation has always made recommendations for properly securing an installation, including recommending using a firewall in front of all CouchDB installations.
Frequently Asked SecOps Questions (CVE-2022-24706)
FAQQ1. How critical is CVE-2022-24706 and is it actively exploited in the wild?
CVE-2022-24706 is rated CVSS 9.8 (CRITICAL) with a 30-day EPSS exploitation probability of 92.5%. It is listed in the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, requiring immediate emergency remediation.
Q2. Which vendors and products are affected by CVE-2022-24706?
Primary impacted vendors include apache across couchdb. Scope summary: All Apache CouchDB versions prior to 3.2.2
Q3. What temporary mitigations or workarounds exist for CVE-2022-24706 before patching?
[Mitigation] Upgrade Apache CouchDB to version 3.2.2 or higher, and restrict access to Erlang ports (4369, 9100-9200) using a firewall Follow the CLI remediation commands and interactive SecOps checklist on this page to restrict exposure prior to your maintenance window.
Generate an Internal Engineering Notice or CISO Report for CVE-2022-24706
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