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CVE-2023-31465: Critical Vulnerability in FSMLabs TimeKeeper

A critical vulnerability in FSMLabs TimeKeeper affects versions 8.0.17 to 8.0.28, allowing attackers to execute arbitrary Bash code via intercepted requests. Immediate patching is essential to mitigate risks.

CRITICALCVSS 9.8 · Published July 26, 2023

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An issue was discovered in FSMLabs TimeKeeper versions 8.0.17 through 8.0.28. This vulnerability allows attackers to intercept requests from various timekeeper streams and find the getsamplebacklog call. Certain query parameters are passed directly in the URL (named arg[x], where x is an integer starting from 1). By modifying arg[2], it is possible to insert Bash code that will be executed directly by the server.

The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical severity level. Organizations utilizing affected versions of FSMLabs TimeKeeper are at high risk of exploitation due to the ease of attack and the potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Risk to organizations includes unauthorized access and execution of arbitrary commands on server environments. With the vulnerability being of critical nature, organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation.

As of now, there are no known public exploits or proofs of concept available for this vulnerability. However, given the critical nature of the CVSS score, it is essential for security teams to stay vigilant and update their systems promptly.

Vulnerability Details

This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary Bash commands on the server by manipulating query parameters in intercepted requests. The affected product is FSMLabs TimeKeeper, with versions 8.0.17 to 8.0.28 being vulnerable. The CVSS score is 9.8, which indicates a critical severity level. The vulnerability was published on July 26, 2023.

Technical Analysis

The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user input for query parameters within the TimeKeeper application. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity of the attack is low. No privileges are required to exploit this vulnerability, and user interaction is not necessary.

Confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as high, indicating that exploitation could lead to severe data breaches and service disruptions.

Risk & Impact Analysis

Organizations utilizing FSMLabs TimeKeeper in their infrastructure are at significant risk due to this critical vulnerability. The potential for unauthorized command execution could lead to severe data loss, service outages, and compromise of sensitive information. Immediate patching is crucial to mitigate these risks.

With an EPS score of 0.905, this vulnerability is in the 99.6th percentile of risk, indicating a high likelihood of exploitation in the wild. Organizations should address this vulnerability as part of their priority patch cycle.

Exploitation Status

Signal

Status

Known Exploit

No

Public PoC

No

Actively Exploited

No

Ransomware Use

No

Affected Versions

All versions of FSMLabs TimeKeeper from 8.0.17 to 8.0.28 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should verify their installations and apply patches accordingly.

Mitigation & Remediation

Organizations should immediately update FSMLabs TimeKeeper to the latest version to mitigate this vulnerability. If a patch is unavailable, consider implementing network controls to restrict access to the service and closely monitor logs for unusual activity. For more guidance, organizations can refer to penetration testing services that can help identify similar weaknesses.

Detection Guidance

Monitor logs for any unusual requests targeting the getsamplebacklog endpoint and review for unexpected command executions. Additionally, implement network signatures to detect anomalous traffic patterns that may indicate an exploitation attempt.

AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight

CVE-2023-31465 highlights the ongoing risks associated with improper input validation in network-accessible services. Security teams should focus on securing their input handling processes and regularly review their threat models. For further insights, organizations can explore penetration testing best practices to enhance their defenses. Moreover, the increasing prevalence of vulnerabilities like this underscores the necessity for implementing vulnerability management programs that can proactively address these issues before they are exploited.

Additionally, organizations should consider regular security assessments, including API security testing, to ensure their exposure to such vulnerabilities is minimized.

Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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