CVE-2022-31023 : Security Advisory and Response

Play Framework, a popular web framework for Java and Scala, is affected by a vulnerability in versions prior to 2.8.16. This vulnerability could lead to the exposure of sensitive information through error messages. Here's what you need to know about CVE-2022-31023.

Understanding CVE-2022-31023

Play Framework is susceptible to leaking error stack traces from development mode into production mode, potentially exposing confidential data.

What is CVE-2022-31023?

The vulnerability in Play Framework versions before 2.8.16 allows verbose error messages, including exception stack traces, to be displayed in production mode. This could inadvertently expose sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2022-31023

With a CVSS base score of 5.9 (Medium Severity), the vulnerability could compromise confidentiality by exposing sensitive data. Attack complexity is high, and no privileges are required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-31023

The vulnerability arises from the incorrect configuration of the

DefaultHttpErrorHandler

object, which leads to the display of verbose error messages in production environments.

Vulnerability Description

Play Framework versions prior to 2.8.16 allow verbose error messages to be shown in production due to improper

DefaultHttpErrorHandler

configuration.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of Play Framework before 2.8.16 are impacted by this vulnerability, potentially exposing sensitive information.

Exploitation Mechanism

By using the static object

DefaultHttpErrorHandler

incorrectly, verbose error messages can be displayed in a production application.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-31023, immediate steps need to be taken to prevent the exposure of sensitive data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure that a properly-configured error handler is passed when constructing

CORSFilter

or

CORSActionBuilder

. Avoid using the

DefaultHttpErrorHandler

static object in production code.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices and consistently review error handling mechanisms to prevent information leakage.

Patching and Updates

Upgrade to Play Framework version 2.8.16 or later, where the vulnerability has been patched and

DevHttpErrorHandler

introduced for dev-mode behavior.