CVE-2022-30698

What it is

NLnet Labs Unbound, up to and including version 1.16.1 is vulnerable to a novel type of the "ghost domain names" attack. The vulnerability works by targeting an Unbound instance. Unbound is queried for a subdomain of a rogue domain name. The rogue nameserver returns delegation information for the subdomain that updates Unbound's delegation cache. This action can be repeated before expiry of the delegation information by querying Unbound for a second level subdomain which the rogue nameserver provides new delegation information. Since Unbound is a child-centric resolver, the ever-updating child delegation information can keep a rogue domain name resolvable long after revocation. From version 1.16.2 on, Unbound checks the validity of parent delegation records before using cached delegation information.

At a glance

Exploitability

Can be exploited over the network with a low-privilege account. High risk of data exposure.

Exploit odds

1.2% chance of exploitation in the next 30 days (EPSS).

Fix

A patch, advisory or fixed version is referenced. Upgrade or apply it.

Timeline

1. 2022-08-01 15:15 UTC PublishedDisclosed publicly on CVE.org and NVD
2. 2026-06-17 04:44 UTC Last updatedMost recent change to the record

Why it ranks here

• Exploited in the wild: no, CISA does not list it.
• Exploit odds: 1.2% in the next 30 days (EPSS).
• Severity: 6.5 MEDIUM (CVSS).
• Fix: a patch or advisory is linked.

Details

Published

2022-08-01 15:15 UTC

Last modified

2026-06-17 04:44 UTC

Exploit probability

1.2% · EPSS, next 30 days

Weakness

CWE-613

Record status

Modified

Affected

• Nlnetlabs Unbound < 1.16.2
• Fedoraproject Fedora 35
• Fedoraproject Fedora 36

Attack profile CVSS 3.1 · 6.5

Attack vector

Network

Complexity

Low

Privileges needed

Low

User interaction

None

Scope

Unchanged

Confidentiality

High

Integrity

None

Availability

None

Is it in your code?

Hand this to your coding agent. It searches your project for the affected products and checks versions. Nothing leaves your machine.

Read https://cve-list.com/agent/cve/CVE-2022-30698.md and follow it. Check whether this project is affected by CVE-2022-30698. Read only. Don't change anything and don't upload my code. Tell me yes, no or not sure, with the file as proof.

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