In PHP versions 8.0.* before 8.0.29, 8.1.* before 8.1.20, and 8.2.* before 8.2.7, there exists a vulnerability related to SOAP HTTP Digest Authentication. This vulnerability allows the random value generator to not check for failure while employing a narrower range of values than expected. As a result, if the random generator fails, it can disclose 31 bits of uninitialized memory from the client to the server. Additionally, this issue facilitates a malicious server in guessing the client's nonce, increasing the risk of unauthorized access.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 2.6, classifying it as low severity. While the attack complexity is high, and user interaction is required, the potential impact on confidentiality is low. Organizations must recognize that even low-severity vulnerabilities can pose risks, especially if not addressed promptly.
Currently, there are no known public exploits or proof of concepts, but the potential for exploitation remains. Organizations should prioritize patching the affected versions of PHP to mitigate the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle to ensure that they are not vulnerable to potential attacks that could arise from this flaw.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows for the potential disclosure of 31 bits of uninitialized memory due to the failure of the random value generator, specifically affecting versions of PHP when using SOAP HTTP Digest Authentication. The weakness is categorized under CWE-252 and CWE-330, which relates to inadequate error checking and insufficient randomness in cryptographic processes.
The vulnerability was published on July 22, 2023, and has been modified since its initial disclosure. The affected versions include PHP versions prior to 8.0.29, 8.1.20, and 8.2.7.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the implementation of the random value generator used in SOAP HTTP Digest Authentication. The absence of a failure check means that the system may fall back on a narrower range of values than necessary. This introduces a risk where an attacker can guess valid nonces, thus potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information.
The attack vector is network-based, with a high attack complexity as user interaction is required. Privileges required for the attack are low, indicating that an attacker may exploit this vulnerability without requiring extensive access to the system.
The impacts on confidentiality are low, while integrity and availability are not affected. Therefore, while the risk is manageable, it should not be ignored due to the potential for data exposure.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes the possibility of unauthorized access due to the guessing of client nonces. This could potentially lead to further exploitation if attackers leverage the disclosed memory. While the CVSS score indicates a low severity, the presence of sensitive data can exacerbate the situation.
The blast radius is limited to systems utilizing the affected versions of PHP with SOAP HTTP Digest Authentication configured. However, organizations must assess their deployment environments to understand the full extent of the potential impact.
Organizations should address this vulnerability in priority patch cycle. Given that this vulnerability is not actively exploited based on current intelligence, it’s crucial for organizations to remain vigilant and not allow similar vulnerabilities to linger unpatched.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of PHP include 8.0.* prior to 8.0.29, 8.1.* prior to 8.1.20, and 8.2.* prior to 8.2.7. Organizations using these versions should update to the latest versions to mitigate the vulnerabilities.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should apply patches to update PHP to versions 8.0.29, 8.1.20, or 8.2.7 or later. Ensuring that the PHP installation is regularly updated is critical for maintaining security.
In addition to applying patches, organizations may consider implementing security controls such as stricter input validation and monitoring for any unusual access patterns that could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
Security testing can also help validate the effectiveness of the patches and ensure that the system is resilient against potential threats.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any indicators of unauthorized access attempts or errors related to the random value generator. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected memory disclosures or nonce generation failures, should also be flagged for further investigation.
Network signatures that capture unusual SOAP authentication requests can help identify potential exploitation attempts. System changes that coincide with these anomalies should be closely analyzed.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-3247 is its reflection on the ongoing challenges with ensuring robust random value generation within authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability highlights the necessity for continuous vigilance in code quality, especially in cryptographic contexts.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of incorporating comprehensive testing and validation steps within software development lifecycles. Organizations should prioritize regular penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Security teams should also note the trend towards vulnerabilities that stem from inadequate randomness and error handling, underscoring the need for rigorous security practices in development. Strategic defensive takeaways include implementing secure coding practices and enhancing security training for development teams.
As organizations enhance their security posture, they should also consider engaging in red teaming exercises to further assess their defenses against potential exploitation scenarios.
Known Exploitation Timeline
This vulnerability is not currently listed in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) database, indicating that it has not been actively exploited in the wild.
EPSS Risk Context
The EPSS score for this vulnerability is 0.0023, placing it in the 46.1 percentile. This indicates a low probability of exploitation in the near term.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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