CVE-2022-33681: Improper Hostname Verification in Java Client and Proxy can expose authentication data via MITM
A flaw was found in the Apache Pulsar Java Client. This flaw allows an attacker to use a Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attack, manipulating network traffic and gaining the client's authentication data.
Other sources
Delayed TLS hostname verification in the Pulsar Java Client and the Pulsar Proxy make each client vulnerable to a man in the middle attack. Connections from the Pulsar Java Client to the Pulsar Broker/Proxy and connections from the Pulsar Proxy to the Pulsar Broker are vulnerable. Authentication data is sent before verifying the server’s TLS certificate matches the hostname, which means authentication data could be exposed to an attacker. An attacker can only take advantage of this vulnerability by taking control of a machine 'between' the client and the server. The attacker must then actively manipulate traffic to perform the attack by providing the client with a cryptographically valid certificate for an unrelated host. Because the client sends authentication data before performing hostname verification, an attacker could gain access to the client’s authentication data. The client eventually closes the connection when it verifies the hostname and identifies the targeted hostname does not match a hostname on the certificate. Because the client eventually closes the connection, the value of the intercepted authentication data depends on the authentication method used by the client. Token based authentication and username/password authentication methods are vulnerable because the authentication data can be used to impersonate the client in a separate session. This issue affects Apache Pulsar Java Client versions 2.7.0 to 2.7.4; 2.8.0 to 2.8.3; 2.9.0 to 2.9.2; 2.10.0; 2.6.4 and earlier.
Affected Software
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2022-33681?
CVE-2022-33681 is a vulnerability found in the Apache Pulsar Java Client that allows an attacker to perform a man-in-the-middle attack using delayed TLS hostname verification.
Which software is affected by CVE-2022-33681?
The Pulsar Java Client versions up to and including 2.10.1 are affected by CVE-2022-33681.
What is the severity of CVE-2022-33681?
CVE-2022-33681 has a severity rating of 5.9, which is considered medium.
How can I fix CVE-2022-33681?
To fix CVE-2022-33681, upgrade your Pulsar Java Client to version 2.10.2 or later.
Where can I find more information about CVE-2022-33681?
You can find more information about CVE-2022-33681 on the CVE website (https://www.cve.org/CVERecord?id=CVE-2022-33681) and the NIST National Vulnerability Database (https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2022-33681).