CVE-2023-23937 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Pimcore, an open-source data and experience management platform. The vulnerability arises from the upload functionality for updating user profiles, which does not properly validate the file content type. This flaw allows any authenticated user to bypass security checks by appending a valid signature (e.g., GIF89) to an invalid content type. As a result, an authenticated attacker could upload HTML files containing JavaScript code that would be executed within the context of the domain.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.2, categorizing it as high severity. This indicates that the attack vector is network-based, with low complexity, and does not require any privileges or user interaction. The potential impact is significant, with a high confidentiality impact and a low impact on availability. Organizations running affected versions of Pimcore need to assess their exposure promptly.
This vulnerability has been patched in version 10.5.16 of Pimcore. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent exploitation and mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Given the potential for exploitation, it is crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and ensure that their systems are updated to the latest versions. Furthermore, the risk to organizations includes unauthorized access, data exposure, and potential exploitation leading to further attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows an attacker to upload files that can execute scripts in the context of the victim's session. Officially, the vulnerability is classified under CWE-434, indicating improper restriction of operations within the bounds of a memory buffer. The vulnerability's effective exploitation could lead to significant impacts on confidentiality due to potentially malicious file uploads.
Pimcore has acknowledged the issue and provided a patch in version 10.5.16 to rectify the improper validation of content types during file uploads. This vulnerability underscores the importance of stringent file validation mechanisms in web applications.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the inadequate validation of file content types during the upload process. Attackers can exploit this by modifying the content type header, allowing unauthorized file types to be uploaded. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity of exploitation is low, meaning that even those with minimal technical skills can potentially execute this attack.
No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary. The confidentiality impact is high because an attacker can potentially execute scripts that could lead to data exfiltration, while the integrity impact remains low since the attacker cannot modify existing data directly. Availability impact is also low, as the attack does not disrupt service but may compromise user data.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes unauthorized access, potential data breaches, and exploitation of uploaded malicious scripts. Given the high CVSS score of 8.2, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The blast radius for this vulnerability can be significant, especially for applications that handle sensitive user data.
Organizations using affected versions of Pimcore are urged to take immediate action to mitigate risks. The urgency for remediation is high due to the potential for exploitation and the significant impact it could have on data confidentiality.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
All versions of Pimcore prior to version 10.5.16 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to the patched version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching Pimcore to version 10.5.16 or later to address this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing file type restrictions and conducting thorough code reviews of file upload functionalities. For ongoing security, organizations may also benefit from engaging in penetration testing to identify potential vulnerabilities in their applications.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file upload activities, particularly those involving non-standard or unexpected file types. Behavioral anomalies, such as unauthorized access attempts to user profiles or file uploads from unexpected sources, should also be scrutinized.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The significance of CVE-2023-23937 lies in its ability to expose organizations to unauthorized access and data breaches through improper file handling. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of validating user input and implementing proper security measures in web applications. Organizations should review their file upload mechanisms and consider adopting best practices for web application security testing to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities. Continuous monitoring and assessment of security posture can also aid in identifying and mitigating risks proactively.
As organizations adapt to evolving security challenges, it is crucial to stay informed about vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23937 and their implications. Regular updates to security practices and engaging in thorough security assessments can significantly enhance an organization's resilience against potential attacks.
For more insights into improving your security posture, organizations may consider exploring our resources on vulnerability management programs and implementing effective security measures.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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