CVE-2023-23946 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the git version control system. This vulnerability allows for path traversal, which could lead to overwriting files outside the working tree by feeding crafted input to the `git apply` command. The impact is significant, as it allows an attacker to manipulate files on the system running the vulnerable git version. This issue affects versions prior to 2.39.2, 2.38.4, 2.37.6, 2.36.5, 2.35.7, 2.34.7, 2.33.7, 2.32.6, 2.31.7, and 2.30.8.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.2, which indicates a medium risk level. Organizations should be aware of the potential for unauthorized alterations to files, which could lead to integrity issues. The vulnerability was published on February 14, 2023, and has been classified under CWE-22, indicating a path traversal weakness.
Currently, the vulnerability is not actively exploited, and there is no public exploit confirmed. However, organizations should prioritize patching to the fixed versions as soon as possible, as the risk associated with this vulnerability can lead to significant integrity impacts.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. A fix has already been prepared and can be found in the upcoming versions. As a temporary workaround, users are advised to inspect patches using `git apply --stat` before application to avoid applying potentially dangerous modifications.
Immediate action is necessary to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-23946. Organizations must ensure they are using the latest versions of git to protect their systems.
Vulnerability Details
Git, a revision control system, is vulnerable to path traversal prior to versions 2.39.2, 2.38.4, 2.37.6, 2.36.5, 2.35.7, 2.34.7, 2.33.7, 2.32.6, 2.31.7, and 2.30.8. By feeding a crafted input to `git apply`, a path outside the working tree can be overwritten as the user who is running `git apply`. A fix has been prepared and will appear in the aforementioned versions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 6.2, indicating a medium severity level. The integrity impact is classified as high, while confidentiality and availability impacts are noted as none. The vulnerability can be exploited locally with low complexity and no privileges required.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-23946 is a flaw in how git handles symbolic links and file paths when applying patches. Attackers may leverage this weakness to overwrite files outside the intended directory, leading to potential integrity issues.
This vulnerability can be exploited locally, meaning an attacker must have access to the system where git is installed. The complexity of the attack is low, as it requires no special privileges or user interaction.
The attack vector is local, and the scope remains unchanged. Organizations should be aware that while the attack does not impact confidentiality or availability, the integrity of the system can be severely compromised.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized file manipulations that can lead to significant integrity issues. The potential blast radius may vary depending on the system configuration and the access level of users running git. Organizations should assess the deployment of git within their environments to evaluate the risk.
As the CVSS score indicates a medium severity level, organizations should schedule remediation as part of their security practices. Immediate patching and monitoring should be prioritized to prevent exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of git include all versions prior to 2.39.2, 2.38.4, 2.37.6, 2.36.5, 2.35.7, 2.34.7, 2.33.7, 2.32.6, 2.31.7, and 2.30.8. Organizations should ensure they are using the patched versions to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2023-23946, organizations should promptly upgrade to the latest versions of git: 2.39.2, 2.38.4, 2.37.6, 2.36.5, 2.35.7, 2.34.7, 2.33.7, 2.32.6, 2.31.7, or 2.30.8. As a workaround, use `git apply --stat` to inspect patches before applying them. Avoid applying patches that create symbolic links that lead to files outside the working directory.
Organizations may also consider implementing network controls and monitoring systems for suspicious activities related to git operations. Proper configuration hardening can further mitigate potential risks associated with this vulnerability.
Continuous penetration testing can help identify similar weaknesses in other systems.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts of CVE-2023-23946, organizations should monitor logs for unusual git commands, particularly those involving `git apply`. Look for behavioral anomalies such as unauthorized file modifications or changes in file integrity. Implement network signatures that can flag suspicious git operations.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-23946 lies in its demonstration of the importance of secure coding practices within widely-used tools like git. This vulnerability highlights the need for continuous security assessments and the adoption of best practices in software development.
Security teams should take lessons from this incident to improve their vulnerability management programs. Implementing regular security testing and code reviews can help identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
For further insights, organizations can explore our resources on penetration testing methodology and how to implement effective vulnerability management strategies.
Security practitioners should remain vigilant and ensure that their systems are protected against vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23946 by applying patches and conducting regular security reviews.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)