CVE-2022-23635
CVE-2022-23635 is a high-severity vulnerability in Istio with a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5. It is not currently listed as actively exploited by CISA, and its EPSS exploit-prediction score is low. The underlying weakness is classified as CWE-1284.
Key facts
- Severity: High (CVSS 3.x base score 7.5)
- CVSS v2: 5.0
- EPSS exploit prediction: 2% (73rd percentile)
- Actively exploited: Not listed in CISA KEV
- Weakness: CWE-1284
- Affected product: Istio
- Published:
- Last modified:
Description
Istio is an open platform to connect, manage, and secure microservices. In affected versions the Istio control plane, `istiod`, is vulnerable to a request processing error, allowing a malicious attacker that sends a specially crafted message which results in the control plane crashing. This endpoint is served over TLS port 15012, but does not require any authentication from the attacker. For simple installations, Istiod is typically only reachable from within the cluster, limiting the blast radius. However, for some deployments, especially [multicluster](https://istio.io/latest/docs/setup/install/multicluster/primary-remote/) topologies, this port is exposed over the public internet. There are no effective workarounds, beyond upgrading. Limiting network access to Istiod to the minimal set of clients can help lessen the scope of the vulnerability to some extent.
Frequently asked questions
- What is CVE-2022-23635?
- Istio is an open platform to connect, manage, and secure microservices. In affected versions the Istio control plane, `istiod`, is vulnerable to a request processing error, allowing a malicious attacker that sends a specially crafted message which results in the control plane crashing. This endpoint is served over TLS port 15012, but does not require any authentication from the attacker. For simple installations, Istiod is typically only reachable from within the cluster, limiting the blast radius. However, for some deployments, especially [multicluster](https://istio.io/latest/docs/setup/install/multicluster/primary-remote/) topologies, this port is exposed over the public internet. There are no effective workarounds, beyond upgrading. Limiting network access to Istiod to the minimal set of clients can help lessen the scope of the vulnerability to some extent.
- How severe is CVE-2022-23635?
- CVE-2022-23635 has a CVSS 3.x base score of 7.5, rated high severity. It is exploitable over network with low attack complexity, requires no privileges and no user interaction. Impact on confidentiality is none, integrity none, and availability high.
- Is CVE-2022-23635 being actively exploited?
- It is not currently listed in CISA's KEV catalog. Its EPSS exploit-prediction score is 2% (73rd percentile), an estimate of the probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.
- What products are affected by CVE-2022-23635?
- CVE-2022-23635 affects Istio. See the affected-products list for the exact vulnerable versions.
- How do I fix CVE-2022-23635?
- Review the linked vendor and NVD advisories for patched versions and mitigations, then upgrade or apply the recommended workaround. Given its high severity, prioritise patching exposed systems.
- When was CVE-2022-23635 published?
- CVE-2022-23635 was published on 2022-02-22 and last updated on 2026-06-17.
References
- https://github.com/istio/istio/commit/5f3b5ed958ae75156f8656fe7b3794f78e94db84
- https://github.com/istio/istio/security/advisories/GHSA-856q-xv3c-7f2f
- https://istio.io/latest/news/security/istio-security-2022-003
Affected products (1)
- cpe:2.3:a:istio:istio:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
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