CVE-2025-22273

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy for CVE-2025-22273 - CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager Brute-Force Vulnerability

Vulnerability Description:

CVE-2025-22273 describes a vulnerability in CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (SaaS version 24.7.1). The application lacks proper rate limiting or user interaction constraints, specifically at the /EPMUI/VfManager.asmx/ChangePassword endpoint. This allows attackers to perform a brute-force attack against user passwords. The vulnerability exists because the application does not adequately restrict the number of password change requests an attacker can send within a given timeframe.

Severity:

  • CVSS Score: 9.3 (Critical)
  • Impact: A successful brute-force attack allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to user accounts, potentially leading to:
    • Privilege escalation on managed endpoints.
    • Data exfiltration.
    • Installation of malware.
    • Compromise of other resources within the environment if the compromised account has broader access.
    • Denial-of-service due to account lockouts or system overload.

Known Exploit:

The vulnerability is exploited by sending a high volume of password change requests to the /EPMUI/VfManager.asmx/ChangePassword endpoint with different password guesses. Due to the lack of rate limiting, the attacker can attempt numerous combinations in a short period, significantly increasing the likelihood of successfully cracking the password.

Remediation/Mitigation Strategy:

Given that the vendor (CyberArk) has reportedly not responded to contact, proactive mitigation is crucial.

Short-Term Mitigations (Immediate Actions):

  1. Network-Based Rate Limiting (WAF/IPS):

    • Implement rate limiting rules on your Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) to restrict the number of requests to the /EPMUI/VfManager.asmx/ChangePassword endpoint from a single IP address within a specified timeframe. A starting point could be limiting requests to 5-10 attempts per minute per IP. Monitor for legitimate user impact and adjust accordingly.
    • Implement geolocation filtering if the CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager service is only used by specific geographic locations, blocking requests from other regions.

  2. Account Lockout Policies:

    • Enforce strict account lockout policies at the Active Directory or local system level (depending on how EPM authenticates users). Lock accounts after a small number of invalid password attempts (e.g., 3-5 attempts). Ensure that the lockout duration is sufficient to deter brute-force attacks (e.g., 15-30 minutes).

  3. Monitoring and Alerting:

    • Monitor authentication logs and network traffic for unusual patterns related to the /EPMUI/VfManager.asmx/ChangePassword endpoint. Specifically, look for:
      • High volumes of failed login attempts originating from the same IP address.
      • A sudden spike in traffic to the password change endpoint.
    • Configure alerts to notify security personnel of suspicious activity.

  4. Password Complexity Requirements:

    • Enforce strong password complexity requirements for all users. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Minimum password length should be at least 12 characters (ideally longer). This significantly increases the time required to crack passwords via brute force.

  5. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

    • Implement MFA for all user accounts, if technically feasible with the current version. MFA adds an extra layer of security, making brute-force attacks significantly more difficult, even if the password is compromised.

Long-Term Remediation (Required for Full Resolution):

  1. Vendor Contact and Patching:

    • Continuously attempt to contact CyberArk and request a patch for this vulnerability. Escalate through appropriate channels.
    • When a patch becomes available, apply it immediately following a thorough testing phase in a non-production environment.

  2. Code Review and Security Audits (If Possible):

    • If source code is accessible (unlikely), perform a code review to identify other potential vulnerabilities related to authentication, authorization, and rate limiting.
    • Engage a third-party security vendor to conduct a penetration test to assess the overall security posture of the application.

  3. Application-Level Rate Limiting (Vendor-Provided):

    • Ensure that the patch (or the application in a later version) implements robust application-level rate limiting at the /EPMUI/VfManager.asmx/ChangePassword endpoint. This is the most effective long-term solution. The rate limiting should be configurable and flexible enough to adapt to changing threat landscapes.

  4. Consider alternative products:

    • If CyberArk does not address the vulnerability or provide adequate support consider migrating to a similar product that offers better security.

Important Considerations:

  • Testing: Thoroughly test all mitigations in a non-production environment before deploying them to production to avoid unintended consequences or disruptions to legitimate users.
  • Monitoring: Continuously monitor the effectiveness of the mitigations and adjust them as needed.
  • Communication: Communicate the vulnerability and the implemented mitigations to all relevant stakeholders (IT staff, security personnel, end users).
  • Documentation: Document all steps taken, including the vulnerability details, the implemented mitigations, and the test results. This will be helpful for future reference and auditing purposes.
  • Vendor Responsiveness: The lack of vendor response is concerning. Consider escalating the issue through industry channels or exploring alternative solutions if CyberArk fails to address the vulnerability in a timely manner.

This remediation/mitigation strategy is based on the limited information provided. A more comprehensive assessment may be required to fully address the vulnerability.

Assigner

Date

  • Published Date: 2025-02-28 12:33:41
  • Updated Date: 2025-02-28 13:15:28

More Details

CVE-2025-22273