CVE-2023-50165 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Pega Platform versions 8.2.1 to Infinity 23.1.0. This vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially expose sensitive file contents through generated PDFs. With a CVSS score of 8.5, the vulnerability is classified as high severity, indicating significant risk to organizations.
The risk to organizations includes potential data leakage and unauthorized access to sensitive information. As organizations increasingly rely on digital document generation, vulnerabilities in generating PDFs can have serious implications. This vulnerability has been classified under CWE-918, indicating an issue related to file inclusion.
The urgency for defenders is high, as the potential impact on confidentiality is significant. Organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Currently, there is no public exploit confirmed, but organizations should remain vigilant and update their systems as soon as patches are available to mitigate this risk.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is described as a Generated PDF issue that affects Pega Platform versions from 8.2.1 to Infinity 23.1.0. The CVSS score assigned to this vulnerability is 8.5, reflecting a high severity due to the high confidentiality impact and low attack complexity.
The vulnerability is classified under CWE-918, which pertains to issues related to file inclusion. The vulnerability was published on January 31, 2024, and is considered modified due to subsequent updates and disclosures.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of CVE-2023-50165 stems from improper handling of file contents during PDF generation. The attack vector is network-based, allowing attackers to exploit the vulnerability remotely without requiring physical access to the system.
The attack complexity is low, as it does not require advanced skills to exploit. Privileges required to exploit this vulnerability are low, meaning that even users with limited access could potentially leverage this flaw.
User interaction is not required for successful exploitation, which increases the risk level for organizations. The impact on confidentiality is high, as sensitive information could be exposed, while the integrity impact is low and there is no availability impact.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations using affected versions of Pega Platform face a significant risk of data exposure, which could lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and regulatory consequences. The potential blast radius is considerable, as the vulnerability could be exploited across various deployments, affecting multiple users and systems.
Given the high CVSS score, organizations should assess their environments for this vulnerability and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency of addressing this vulnerability is reflected in its classification as high priority due to the serious implications of potential data leaks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
Pega Platform versions 8.2.1 through 23.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are running the latest patched versions to avoid exposure.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should update their Pega Platform to the latest version that addresses this issue. If patches are not immediately available, consider implementing configuration hardening measures and network controls to mitigate exposure risks.
For ongoing security, organizations should engage in regular penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any unusual activities related to PDF generation and access controls. Behavioral anomalies in user access patterns could indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
As organizations continue to adopt digital solutions, vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-50165 serve as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices. This vulnerability highlights the need for robust security assessments, including regular vulnerability management programs and thorough application security assessments to mitigate risks.
Security teams should take note of patterns in vulnerabilities related to document generation, as they may indicate broader security issues within the application architecture. Continuous improvement in security practices will help in safeguarding against such vulnerabilities.
For more insights on security testing, organizations can explore our API penetration testing guide and consider incorporating those practices into their security strategy.
Finally, understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-50165 enables organizations to reinforce their defense mechanisms and ensure they are prepared for future threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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