CVE-2022-29499
Mitel MiVoice Connect Data Validation Vulnerability
Description
CVE-2022-29499 is a data validation vulnerability in the Mitel MiVoice Connect Service Appliance component that allows remote code execution due to incorrect data validation. The flaw enables an unauthenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the Mitel appliance by sending specially crafted requests that bypass input validation checks. CISA has added CVE-2022-29499 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog, confirming active exploitation, and the vulnerability is known to be used in ransomware campaigns. With an EPSS score of 88.6% (99.5th percentile), this vulnerability has near-certain exploitation probability.
KEV Information
CVSS Score
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:HOpen in CalculatorAffected Products
| Vendor | Product | Version |
|---|---|---|
| mitel | mivoice connect | <= 22.20.2300.0 |
Multiple CVSS Assessments
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H
References
Weakness Type
CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
CVE-2022-29499 exploits improper input validation in the Mitel MiVoice Connect Service Appliance, where the application fails to properly validate data in incoming requests. This insufficient validation allows an attacker to inject malicious commands or data that the system processes without adequate sanitization, resulting in remote code execution on the underlying operating system of the VoIP appliance.
Learn more: CWE-20 — Improper Input Validation
Impact Analysis
CVE-2022-29499 represents a critical threat to organizations using Mitel MiVoice Connect, as VoIP infrastructure is often deployed in sensitive network segments with access to internal communications. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote code execution, requiring no credentials or user interaction, making it trivially exploitable by automated tools. Successful exploitation grants the attacker command execution on the Mitel appliance, providing access to voice communications, call recordings, configuration data, and potentially a pivot point into the broader internal network. Confidentiality is severely impacted through potential access to voice data and internal communications; integrity is compromised through system-level command execution; and availability of the voice communications platform can be disrupted. The confirmed use in ransomware campaigns and the EPSS score of 88.6% (99.5th percentile) confirm that this vulnerability is being actively exploited at scale.
Exploit Maturity
CISA has confirmed active exploitation of CVE-2022-29499 in the wild by adding it to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on June 27, 2022, with a remediation deadline of July 18, 2022. This vulnerability is known to be used in ransomware campaigns, making it a critical threat to organizations. The EPSS score of 88.6% (99.5th percentile) indicates near-certain exploitation activity. The vulnerability has been notably exploited by the Lorenz ransomware group, which used it to gain initial access to victim networks before deploying ransomware. The combination of unauthenticated remote code execution and the typically exposed nature of VoIP appliances makes this an ideal initial access vector for ransomware operators.
Remediation
- Apply Mitel security updates immediately: Install the patches provided by Mitel for the MiVoice Connect Service Appliance that address the data validation vulnerability.
- Restrict network access to Mitel appliances: Implement network segmentation to ensure MiVoice Connect appliances are not directly accessible from the internet or untrusted networks. Place management interfaces behind VPN or dedicated management networks.
- Conduct forensic analysis if previously exposed: Given the ransomware association, assume compromise if the Mitel appliance was internet-facing while unpatched. Search for indicators of Lorenz ransomware and other threat actors.
- Monitor Mitel appliance logs for suspicious activity: Review appliance logs for unexpected command execution, unauthorized configuration changes, or unusual network connections that may indicate ongoing or prior exploitation.
- Implement network-level intrusion detection: Deploy IDS/IPS rules that can detect exploitation attempts targeting the Mitel Service Appliance component, including suspicious data patterns in requests to management endpoints.
Technical Details
CVE-2022-29499 is a data validation vulnerability in the Service Appliance component of Mitel MiVoice Connect, a widely deployed enterprise VoIP solution. The vulnerability exists because the Service Appliance does not properly validate data in incoming requests to its management interface. An attacker can craft specially formed requests containing malicious command data that passes through the insufficient validation checks and is executed by the underlying operating system. The remote and unauthenticated nature of the attack means any attacker who can reach the Service Appliance network port can exploit the vulnerability without credentials. The Lorenz ransomware group was identified as leveraging this vulnerability for initial access, using the code execution to establish persistence and then deploy ransomware across victim networks. The exploitation of VoIP infrastructure as an initial access point highlights the importance of treating unified communications systems as critical network components requiring the same security attention as traditional servers and endpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CVE-2022-29499 being actively exploited?
Yes. CISA has confirmed active exploitation and the vulnerability is known to be used in ransomware campaigns, notably by the Lorenz ransomware group. The EPSS score of 88.6% (99.5th percentile) indicates near-certain exploitation. Organizations using Mitel MiVoice Connect should patch immediately.
What products are affected by CVE-2022-29499?
CVE-2022-29499 affects the Service Appliance component of Mitel MiVoice Connect, an enterprise VoIP and unified communications platform. Organizations using MiVoice Connect should consult Mitel's security advisory for specific affected versions.
How do I fix CVE-2022-29499?
Apply the security updates from Mitel that address the data validation vulnerability. Restrict network access to Mitel appliances so they are not directly reachable from the internet. Conduct forensic analysis if the appliance was internet-facing while unpatched.
How severe is CVE-2022-29499?
CVE-2022-29499 is an extremely severe vulnerability with an EPSS score of 88.6% (99.5th percentile) and confirmed use in ransomware campaigns. The unauthenticated remote code execution on a VoIP appliance provides both access to sensitive communications data and a pivot point for further network intrusion.
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