CVE-2023-28708 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting Apache Tomcat. This vulnerability allows session cookies created by specific versions of Apache Tomcat to be transmitted over insecure channels due to missing secure attributes when the RemoteIpFilter processes requests from a reverse proxy that includes the X-Forwarded-Proto header set to https. The affected versions include Apache Tomcat 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.0.-M2, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.5, 9.0.0-M1 to 9.0.71, and 8.5.0 to 8.5.85. Organizations using these versions should evaluate their exposure and take appropriate actions.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 4.3, indicating a medium severity level. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low attack complexity and no privileges required for exploitation. User interaction is required, and the potential impact on confidentiality is low. Organizations should assess the implications of this vulnerability, particularly if they handle sensitive data.
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of session hijacking, where an attacker could exploit the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to user sessions. Given the nature of web applications and the potential for data breaches, this vulnerability should be treated seriously.
As of now, no public exploit has been confirmed for this vulnerability, and it is not listed as actively exploited in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should not become complacent and should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The official description of CVE-2023-28708 states that when using the RemoteIpFilter with requests received from a reverse proxy via HTTP that include the X-Forwarded-Proto header set to https, session cookies created by specific versions of Apache Tomcat did not include the secure attribute. This could result in the user agent transmitting the session cookie over an insecure channel. Older, EOL versions may also be affected.
The CVSS score is 4.3, indicating medium severity. The affected product is Apache Tomcat, with the following specific versions: 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.0.-M2, 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.5, 9.0.0-M1 to 9.0.71, and 8.5.0 to 8.5.85. The vulnerability was published on March 22, 2023.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of session cookies by the RemoteIpFilter when it processes requests from a reverse proxy. The lack of a secure attribute on session cookies can allow them to be transmitted over unencrypted channels, which could be intercepted by attackers.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning an attacker would need the capability to intercept traffic. The attack complexity is classified as low, and no privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, but user interaction is necessary. If an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, the confidentiality of the session data could be compromised.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The implications of CVE-2023-28708 are significant for organizations using affected versions of Apache Tomcat. The risk of session hijacking poses a direct threat to user accounts and sensitive data. Organizations should assess the potential blast radius if an attacker were to exploit this vulnerability and gain unauthorized access.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to mitigate risks associated with potential data breaches and unauthorized access. Given the medium severity rating and the nature of web applications, the urgency for remediation is moderate.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Apache Tomcat include:
1. 11.0.0-M1 to 11.0.0.-M2 2. 10.1.0-M1 to 10.1.5 3. 9.0.0-M1 to 9.0.71 4. 8.5.0 to 8.5.85 Older, EOL versions may also be affected.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching to secure their systems. It is vital to update to the latest version of Apache Tomcat that addresses this vulnerability. If a patch is not yet available, consider implementing workarounds such as using secure protocols and ensuring that session cookies include the secure attribute.
For more comprehensive security measures, organizations should engage in penetration testing to identify and address similar vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring for unusual session behavior and ensuring that secure cookies are being enforced can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also review logs for any unauthorized access attempts or anomalies that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-28708 is a reminder of the importance of secure cookie attributes in web applications. The lack of a secure attribute on session cookies can lead to significant risks, especially in environments where sensitive data is handled. Organizations should consider adopting best practices for web security and ensuring that secure configurations are in place.
For organizations using Apache Tomcat, understanding vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28708 and implementing regular security assessments can help strengthen defenses against potential threats. Consider reviewing your security posture through an application security assessment to identify areas of improvement.
Lastly, leveraging resources such as the vulnerability management program can provide ongoing guidance in maintaining a secure environment.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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