CVE-2023-24657 is a medium-severity reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in phpipam version 1.6. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts via the closeClass parameter at /subnet-masks/popup.php. The CVSS score of 6.1 indicates that while the impact is moderate, it still presents a tangible risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of phpipam.
Risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized actions performed by attackers, which could lead to data theft or manipulation. The requirement for user interaction means that an attacker must trick a user into clicking a malicious link. Given the nature of XSS vulnerabilities, the urgency for defenders is to address this issue promptly.
As of the current analysis, there is known exploit availability for this vulnerability, which further emphasizes the importance of swift remediation. Organizations utilizing phpipam should prioritize patching to mitigate the associated risks.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of this vulnerability states that phpipam v1.6 was discovered to contain a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability via the closeClass parameter at /subnet-masks/popup.php. This vulnerability is classified under CWE-79.
The CVSS score is 6.1, indicating a medium severity level. The vulnerability allows for network-based attacks with low complexity, no privileges required, and necessitates user interaction. The potential impacts include low confidentiality and integrity loss, while availability remains unaffected.
This vulnerability was published on March 8, 2023, and is currently classified as modified.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-24657 stems from insufficient validation of user input, specifically the closeClass parameter. Attackers can exploit this by sending crafted requests that inject malicious scripts into the application’s response, leading to execution within the context of the user’s browser.
The attack vector for this vulnerability is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit it remotely. The attack complexity is low, and it requires no special privileges. However, user interaction is necessary, as the victim must click on a malicious link.
The impact on confidentiality and integrity is low, as attackers may steal or manipulate data without impacting the availability of the service.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of phpipam in various organizational environments increases the risk associated with this vulnerability. The ability for attackers to execute scripts can lead to data breaches, user impersonation, and unauthorized data manipulation, significantly affecting operational integrity.
The blast radius for this vulnerability could be substantial, especially in environments where phpipam handles sensitive data or is integrated with other systems. Given the medium severity classification and the exploit availability, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle.
Organizations should schedule remediation in priority patch cycles to minimize exposure and potential impact.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected version for this vulnerability is phpipam v1.6. Organizations should ensure that they are using the latest version to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply the latest patches provided by phpipam. It is crucial to upgrade to the latest version to ensure that the vulnerability is effectively addressed.
In the event that a patch is not immediately available, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls (WAF) to block potential exploitation attempts and strengthen input validation mechanisms.
Organizations should also review their security configurations and ensure that proper monitoring is in place to detect any suspicious activity related to this vulnerability.
Continuous security testing can help identify weaknesses in security postures.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual requests to /subnet-masks/popup.php can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, logging and analyzing user interactions with the application can provide insights into potential attacks.
Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected script executions or unauthorized access patterns, should be flagged for further investigation.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-24657 highlights the importance of secure coding practices in web applications. As organizations increasingly rely on web technologies, vulnerabilities like XSS can have severe repercussions if left unaddressed.
This incident demonstrates the necessity for continuous security assessments, including regular penetration testing and vulnerability management. Security teams should take proactive measures to identify and mitigate risks before they can be exploited.
Vulnerability management programs should include training for developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Penetration testing methodology should be revisited regularly to adapt to evolving threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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