CVE-2022-31149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

ActivityWatch open-source automated time tracker, prior to version 0.12.0b2, is vulnerable to DNS rebinding attacks. The vulnerability allows attackers to gain full access to the ActivityWatch REST API, impacting all users. It is recommended to upgrade to v0.12.0b2 or later to patch the vulnerability, with a workaround of blocking DNS lookups resolving to 127.0.0.1.

Understanding CVE-2022-31149

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to the ActivityWatch vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-31149?

CVE-2022-31149 highlights a security flaw in ActivityWatch versions preceding 0.12.0b2, allowing DNS rebind attacks that can be exploited to access the API.

The Impact of CVE-2022-31149

The vulnerability poses a high risk with a CVSS base score of 8.8, impacting confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can bypass authentication to gain unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-31149

Explore the specifics of the vulnerability to better understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw enables attackers to manipulate DNS responses, redirecting requests to localhost and exploiting the ActivityWatch REST API.

Affected Systems and Versions

ActivityWatch versions older than 0.12.0b2 are vulnerable to this DNS rebinding attack.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can trick users into triggering malicious requests, leveraging DNS rebinding to access sensitive data and resources.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover essential steps to secure your systems and protect against CVE-2022-31149.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to ActivityWatch version 0.12.0b2 or higher to patch the vulnerability. Additionally, block DNS resolutions pointing to 127.0.0.1.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories, conduct security assessments, and implement secure coding practices to prevent future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about software updates and security patches released by ActivityWatch to address known security issues.