The CVE-2023-28155 vulnerability affects the request package version 2.88.1 and earlier, used in Node.js applications. This vulnerability allows a bypass of Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) mitigations through an attacker-controlled server that performs a cross-protocol redirect (HTTP to HTTPS, or HTTPS to HTTP). This flaw is particularly concerning as it only impacts products that are no longer supported by the maintainer, thereby increasing the risk to organizations still using outdated versions.
With a CVSS score of 6.1, categorized as medium severity, this vulnerability poses a significant risk, especially in network environments where improper SSRF protections can lead to unauthorized access to internal services. Attackers may leverage this flaw to exploit vulnerable applications, leading to data exposure or further attacks within the corporate network.
Organizations utilizing the affected versions should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate potential risks. The vulnerability was published on March 16, 2023, and has since been modified, indicating evolving threat landscape and recommended security practices.
As of now, there are no public exploits or known proof-of-concept (PoC) code available for this vulnerability. However, the potential for exploitation remains a concern, especially given the lack of support for the affected software versions.
To effectively manage this risk, organizations should assess their use of the request package and update to a secure version promptly. This proactive approach will help protect against potential attacks exploiting this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The Request package through 2.88.1 for Node.js allows a bypass of SSRF mitigations via an attacker-controller server that does a cross-protocol redirect (HTTP to HTTPS, or HTTPS to HTTP).
CVE ID: CVE-2023-28155
CVSS Score: 6.1 (Medium Severity)
Affected Product: request
Published Date: March 16, 2023
CWE Classification: CWE-918
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-28155 lies in the handling of server-side requests in the request package. The vulnerability arises when the package allows for cross-protocol redirects, which can be triggered by an attacker-controlled server. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is low, meaning that an attacker does not need to authenticate or have prior access to exploit this vulnerability.
In terms of impact, the confidentiality and integrity of the affected application can be compromised, as the attacker can redirect requests to unauthorized endpoints. However, there is no impact on availability, as the attack does not disrupt service but rather redirects traffic.
User interaction is required in this case, as a user must interact with the application to trigger the request that can be exploited. This is an important factor in assessing the risk associated with this vulnerability.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access to internal resources via SSRF attacks, potentially leading to data leaks or further exploitation of internal services. The fact that this vulnerability affects unsupported versions of the request package further heightens the risk, as these versions may not receive timely patches or updates.
Organizations should evaluate their use of the affected package and prioritize remediation efforts based on their exposure and the criticality of their applications. Given the medium CVSS score of 6.1, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle.
The urgency for patching is significant, especially for organizations relying on the request package for critical functionalities. Delays in addressing this vulnerability could lead to an increased attack surface and potential breaches.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the request package are those up to and including version 2.88.1. All versions prior to vendor patch are vulnerable.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should initiate remediation by updating to the latest version of the request package that addresses this vulnerability. As the affected products are no longer supported, transitioning to a maintained alternative or implementing additional security measures to mitigate SSRF risks is advisable.
For organizations unable to upgrade immediately, consider applying network controls to limit outgoing requests from the application to reduce exposure to SSRF vulnerabilities. Additionally, implementing configuration hardening practices can help minimize the risks associated with this flaw.
Monitoring tools should be employed to detect any unusual or unauthorized requests originating from the application, which may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
For more detailed guidance on securing your applications, organizations can refer to resources on application security assessment.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual outbound traffic patterns, especially requests that redirect to different protocols. Behavioral anomalies in application requests may also indicate attempts to exploit this flaw.
Additionally, establishing network signatures to flag suspicious outgoing requests can enhance detection efforts.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-28155 lies in the evolving nature of SSRF vulnerabilities. As organizations transition to more complex architectures, the potential for these types of vulnerabilities to be leveraged increases. Security teams should take this incident as a reminder of the importance of maintaining updated software and understanding the implications of outdated components.
This vulnerability represents a broader trend in application security where the reliance on third-party libraries and packages can lead to unintended security gaps. By prioritizing security assessments and adopting a proactive approach towards vulnerabilities, organizations can better protect their environments.
For further insights into managing security risks, organizations can explore our penetration testing methodology and vulnerability management program design resources.
Furthermore, organizations should consider continuous assessments through continuous penetration testing to stay ahead of emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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