CVE-2023-1183 is a medium-severity vulnerability found in the LibreOffice package. This vulnerability allows an attacker to craft an ODB file containing a "database/script" file with a SCRIPT command. The contents of this file could be written to a new file at a location chosen by the attacker, leading to potential data manipulation or unauthorized access.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, indicating a medium severity level. This score reflects the risk associated with the attack vector being local, requiring low complexity, and only low privileges to exploit. User interaction is necessary, as the attack relies on the targeted user opening the malicious ODB file.
Risk to organizations includes potential integrity breaches, as the attacker could manipulate files within the LibreOffice environment. Given the nature of the exploit, organizations using vulnerable versions must act swiftly to mitigate risks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately. The CVE was published on July 10, 2023, and has already been modified, indicating ongoing concerns and the need for vigilance in updating to secure versions.
Vulnerability Details
The flaw found in LibreOffice allows for the arbitrary writing of files, classified under CWE-20 (Improper Input Validation) and CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory). The vulnerability embodies a significant risk, particularly for users with low privilege levels, as it does not require elevated permissions for exploitation.
The affected versions of LibreOffice include all versions prior to 7.4.6 and version 7.5.0, alongside specific versions of Fedora and Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 8.0 and 9.0.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-1183 lies in how LibreOffice processes database connections and script commands within ODB files. Specifically, the vulnerability exists due to insufficient validation of file paths specified in these script commands. Attackers may exploit this flaw by crafting malicious ODB files that, when opened, execute arbitrary file writes to locations determined by the attacker.
This vulnerability has a local attack vector, meaning that an attacker must have access to the local environment of the target system. The attack complexity is low, as it does not require sophisticated methods to exploit. Furthermore, the requirement of user interaction means that the attacker needs to convince the user to open the malicious file.
The impacts of this vulnerability are significant in terms of integrity. Once the attacker successfully writes files, they could alter data without detection, leading to potential data corruption or unauthorized data manipulation. The confidentiality and availability impacts are rated as none, meaning that this particular exploit does not compromise sensitive data or system availability in a traditional sense.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with CVE-2023-1183 is notable. Organizations using LibreOffice are at risk if they do not implement timely updates and security patches. The potential for data manipulation poses a direct threat to organizational integrity and could lead to compliance violations depending on the nature of the data involved.
The blast radius for this vulnerability can be extensive, especially in environments where LibreOffice is integrated into workflows that handle sensitive information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could disrupt operations or undermine trust in the integrity of data produced by such systems.
Given the CVSS score of 5.5 and the fact that it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog, organizations should assess their risk posture and prioritize remediation actions based on their specific use cases and threat models.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects all versions of LibreOffice prior to 7.4.6 and version 7.5.0. Additionally, it impacts Fedora 38 and Red Hat Enterprise Linux versions 8.0 and 9.0. Organizations should review their deployments to ensure they are not using affected versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should ensure they update to the latest version of LibreOffice, specifically version 7.4.6 or higher. If an immediate upgrade is not feasible, organizations may consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the LibreOffice application or monitoring file access closely to detect unauthorized attempts.
Further, organizations can enhance their security posture through proper configuration hardening and network controls to limit exposure to potentially malicious files. Regular training for users on recognizing suspicious files is also recommended.
For ongoing security validation, organizations should consider employing continuous security testing to identify similar weaknesses and enhance their overall security posture.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized file access attempts, especially for files associated with LibreOffice. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected file creation or modifications, should also be flagged for further investigation.
Network signatures can be established to detect abnormal traffic patterns involving LibreOffice files. Additionally, it's critical to keep a watch on system changes, particularly those initiated by users with low privileges.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-1183 lies in its illustration of the importance of input validation in software design. This vulnerability exemplifies how flaws in handling user input can lead to significant security risks, particularly in applications handling sensitive data.
Security teams should take this opportunity to review their processes for validating and sanitizing inputs across all applications. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify similar issues before they are exploited.
Organizations should also stay informed of emerging threats and trends in vulnerability exploitation. Engaging in a proactive approach, such as implementing a vulnerability management program, can provide a structured approach to handling vulnerabilities as they arise.
In conclusion, CVE-2023-1183 serves as a critical reminder of the need for rigorous security practices and the importance of timely updates. As the landscape of vulnerabilities evolves, organizations must remain vigilant to protect their assets.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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