In GraphQL Java (also known as graphql-java), a high-severity vulnerability has been identified that affects versions prior to 20.1. This vulnerability allows an attacker to send a crafted GraphQL query that can lead to stack consumption, potentially resulting in denial of service conditions. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 7.5, indicating a high level of risk for organizations utilizing this library.
The vulnerability was published on March 27, 2023, and has since been modified in its status. It is essential for organizations to understand the implications of this vulnerability, as it can be exploited with low complexity and requires no user interaction, making it a significant threat.
Currently, there are no known exploits in the wild, but the potential for denial of service through this vulnerability remains a concern. Therefore, organizations using affected versions of GraphQL Java must prioritize patching, specifically upgrading to versions 20.1, 19.4, 18.4, or 17.5 to mitigate this risk.
Organizations should act promptly to ensure that their systems are updated and secure against this vulnerability, as the risk to their services and reputation could be substantial.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability (CVE-2023-28867) in GraphQL Java allows an attacker to send a crafted query that can lead to stack consumption. The affected versions include all versions prior to 20.1 and specific versions like 20.0, 19.0 to 19.4, 18.0 to 18.4, and all versions below 17.5. The underlying weakness is categorized as CWE-770.
The CVSS 3.1 score of 7.5 indicates high severity, with an attack vector of NETWORK and low attack complexity. No privileges are required for exploitation, and no user interaction is necessary, resulting in high availability impact.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability lies in the processing of GraphQL queries. Attackers can craft specific queries that lead to excessive stack consumption, potentially crashing the application. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that any system exposed to the internet is at risk.
The attack complexity is classified as low, and since no privileges are required and no user interaction is needed, it can be easily executed by an attacker. Additionally, the availability impact is high, which signifies that the service could be completely disrupted.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The risk to organizations includes potential service outages and denial of service, which can significantly impact operations and customer trust. Given the ease of exploitation, this vulnerability poses a serious threat, particularly to organizations that expose their GraphQL endpoints publicly.
Organizations should assess their deployment of GraphQL Java and prioritize patching to the latest versions. The urgency of this vulnerability is high, and addressing it promptly will help mitigate the risks associated with potential exploitation.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of GraphQL Java include any version prior to 20.1, specifically versions 20.0, 19.0 to 19.4, 18.0 to 18.4, and all versions below 17.5. Organizations should ensure they upgrade to at least version 20.1 or any of the other fixed versions to mitigate the identified risks.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28867, organizations should update their GraphQL Java libraries to the latest versions, specifically to version 20.1 or any of the fixed versions (19.4, 18.4, 17.5). If immediate patching is not possible, organizations should consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the affected services and monitor for unusual query patterns that may indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Penetration testing can also help validate the effectiveness of the applied patches and identify any remaining vulnerabilities.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor their logs for indicators of exploitation attempts, including unusually deep or complex GraphQL queries. Behavioral anomalies in the application’s performance may also indicate attempts at denial of service. Additionally, network signatures associated with known attack patterns should be implemented to enhance detection capabilities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-28867 lies in its demonstration of the vulnerabilities inherent in GraphQL implementations. As more organizations adopt GraphQL for their APIs, understanding and mitigating such risks will be crucial. This incident serves as a reminder for security teams to continuously evaluate their application security measures and implement rigorous testing practices.
To stay informed about emerging threats and enhance their security posture, organizations should invest in a comprehensive penetration testing methodology that encompasses regular assessments and updates.
Additionally, following industry best practices for API security, such as those outlined in the API penetration testing guide, will help mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.
In conclusion, CVE-2023-28867 highlights the necessity of vigilance in API security practices and the importance of timely updates and remediation efforts.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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