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CriticalCISA KEVExploited in the wildPublic exploit

IBM Aspera Faspex YAML Deserialization Remote Code Execution

IdentifiersCVE-2022-47986CWE-502· Deserialization of Untrusted Data

CVE-2022-47986 is a remote code execution vulnerability in IBM Aspera Faspex 4.4.2 Patch Level 1 and earlier. According to the provided content, the flaw is caused by unsafe YAML deserialization reachable through an obsolete API call. A remote attacker can send a specially crafted request to that obsolete API endpoint and trigger deserialization of attacker-controlled data, resulting in arbitrary command or code execution on the Aspera Faspex server. The obsolete API call was removed in Faspex 4.4.2 PL2.

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ANALYST BRIEF

Impact, mitigation & remediation

What it means. What to do now. Patch path, mitigations, and the assume-compromise checklist.

Impact

What an attacker gets, and what they’ve been doing with it.

Successful exploitation allows unauthenticated remote execution of arbitrary code or commands on the vulnerable IBM Aspera Faspex server. In the provided reporting, this access was used to download and execute additional payloads, deploy ransomware, establish footholds, and move laterally. Because Faspex is typically deployed for enterprise file sharing, compromise can expose hosted data and provide a pivot point into adjacent internal systems.

Mitigation

If you can’t patch tonight, do this now.

If immediate patching is not possible, reduce exposure by restricting or removing internet access to Aspera Faspex, placing the service behind a VPN or allowlist, and disabling or blocking access to obsolete or unused API functionality where operationally feasible. Monitor Faspex hosts for suspicious requests to legacy API endpoints, unexpected child processes, wget/curl/PowerShell activity, new files under the Faspex installation path, and signs of post-exploitation or ransomware deployment. Network segmentation and strict egress controls can limit follow-on payload retrieval and lateral movement.

Remediation

Patch, then assume compromise.

Upgrade IBM Aspera Faspex to version 4.4.2 Patch Level 2 or later, as the obsolete vulnerable API call was removed in 4.4.2 PL2. Apply any additional IBM vendor fixes and hardening guidance associated with CVE-2022-47986. If the product is internet-facing, prioritize emergency patching due to documented in-the-wild exploitation by ransomware and state-linked actors.
PUBLIC EXPLOITS

Exploits

1 valid exploit after Mallory filtered fakes, detection scripts, and README-only repos (1 hidden).

VALID 1 / 2 TOTALView more in app
CVE-2022-47986MaturityPoCVerified exploit

This repository provides multiple exploit implementations for CVE-2022-47986, a critical unauthenticated remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in IBM Aspera Faspex (versions prior to 4.4.2) due to unsafe YAML deserialization in the web interface. The exploit works by sending a specially crafted POST request to the /aspera/faspex/package_relay/relay_package endpoint, injecting a malicious YAML payload in the 'external_emails' field that triggers Ruby object deserialization and arbitrary command execution on the server. The repository includes: - CVE-2022-47986.py: A Python proof-of-concept script that takes a target URL and a command, then sends the exploit payload to execute the command remotely. - CVE-2022-47986.rb: A Ruby script with similar functionality, allowing command execution via command-line arguments. - ibm-aspera-faspex-rce.nse: An Nmap NSE script for automated vulnerability scanning and exploitation, supporting custom command execution. - ibm_aspera_faspex_rce_yaml_deserialization.rb: A Metasploit module enabling weaponized exploitation, including reverse shell payload delivery. The README provides usage instructions for all scripts and modules, as well as references to public advisories and analysis. The exploit is operational and can be used for both detection and exploitation, with the Metasploit module offering advanced payload options. The main attack vector is network-based, targeting the exposed web interface of vulnerable IBM Aspera Faspex servers.

mauricelambertDisclosed Mar 9, 2023pythonrubynetwork
EXPOSURE SURFACE

Affected products & vendors

Products and vendors Mallory has correlated with this vulnerability. Open in Mallory to drill down to specific CPE configurations and version ranges.

VendorProductType
International Business MachinesAspera Faspexapplication

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Threat actor evidence1

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Associated malware4

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Detection signatures2

YARA, Sigma, Snort, and vendor rules, auto-deployed to your SIEM.

Vendor-by-vendor mapping

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Social activity2

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