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LDAP Injection Vulnerability in Apache Derby – A Critical Security Alert for Developers and System Administrators

Apache Derby is an open-source database management system fully implemented in Java, widely used in various applications and services. However, a recently discovered vulnerability, CVE-2022-46337, has put systems based on this platform at serious risk. This vulnerability allows attackers to bypass authentication using LDAP Injection (malicious query injection into LDAP).

The CVE-2022-46337 issue arises due to improper neutralization of special characters in LDAP queries (CWE-74). This means that user-supplied input is not sufficiently validated, allowing an attacker to manipulate the query structure and bypass authentication. As a result, a malicious actor can use a specially crafted username to gain unauthorized access to the system.

This vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.1, indicating a high level of severity. If successfully exploited, the following security risks may arise:

  • Attackers can create an unlimited number of databases, consuming disk space.
  • The ability to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the Apache Derby server process.
  • Unauthorized access, modification, or theft of data from databases that are not protected by SQL GRANT/REVOKE mechanisms.
  • Execution of privileged functions and procedures, potentially leading to further system compromises.

Affected Apache Derby Versions:

  • 10.1.1.0 to 10.14.3.0
  • 10.15.1.3 to 10.15.2.1
  • 10.16.1.1

Additionally, some IBM products are also affected by this vulnerability:

  • TXSeries for Multiplatforms: versions 8.1, 8.2, 9.1, 10.1
  • IBM Spectrum Control: versions 5.4.0 to 5.4.11

It is important to note that IBM Business Automation Workflow Containers (v23.0.2), although using the Apache Derby component, is not affected because LDAP authentication is not used in its production configuration.

The Apache Software Foundation has provided the following security recommendations:

  • Upgrade Apache Derby to the latest version (10.17.1.0) and use Java 21.
  • If a full upgrade is not possible, apply security patches for versions 10.14, 10.15, and 10.16.
  • Ensure strict input validation in LDAP authentication systems, preventing the use of special characters in user credentials.

Recommendations for IBM Product Users:

  • TXSeries for Multiplatforms 9.1/10.1 – Install security patches via IBM Fix Central.
  • TXSeries 8.1/8.2 – If under extended support, request patches via IBM Salesforce.
  • IBM Spectrum Control 5.4.x – Upgrade to version 5.4.12 and manually remove vulnerable derby.jar and derbytools.jar files from the system.

The LDAP Injection vulnerability poses a serious risk to Apache Derby users, as it allows attackers to bypass authentication systems and gain privileged access. It is particularly critical to patch this vulnerability if the database is used in corporate environments or security-sensitive applications.

To effectively mitigate this risk, it is strongly recommended to promptly apply official patches from Apache and IBM and implement additional security controls for LDAP queries. Any weakness in authentication systems can become an entry point for cyberattacks, making regular security audits and timely vulnerability remediation essential.