CVE-2023-51074 describes a medium-severity vulnerability found in json-path version 2.8.0. This vulnerability allows a stack overflow through the Criteria.parse() method. With a CVSS score of 5.3, it is classified as having a medium impact level, indicating that while it is not critical, it poses significant risks to systems utilizing the affected software.
The vulnerability was published on December 27, 2023, and has been analyzed thoroughly to understand its effects. The attack vector is classified as network-based, requiring no authentication, which amplifies the urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability.
Organizations utilizing json-path versions prior to 2.9.0 should take note of this vulnerability, as it can lead to potential service disruptions. Thus, immediate remediation is advised to prevent exploitation.
Risk to organizations includes potential unavailability of services, which can affect overall productivity and system reliability. Given the low attack complexity and the absence of required user interaction, this vulnerability remains a notable concern in the security landscape.
Vulnerability Details
The official description states that json-path v2.8.0 was discovered to contain a stack overflow via the Criteria.parse() method. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.3, indicating a medium severity level. The affected product is the jayway_jsonpath component, specifically versions from 2.2.0 up to, but not including, 2.9.0.
The vulnerability was published in the NVD under a CWE classification of NVD-CWE-Other. It is crucial for organizations to address this vulnerability, as the potential for exploitation could lead to service interruptions.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies within the Criteria.parse() method's mishandling of inputs, leading to a stack overflow. Attackers may leverage this flaw by sending crafted requests to the network-facing endpoint, which could trigger the overflow condition.
The attack vector is network-based, with a low attack complexity, meaning that it can be exploited without significant effort. No privileges are required for exploitation, and user interaction is not necessary. The impacts of this vulnerability include low availability impact, as it may interrupt services relying on the affected component.
Organizations should be aware that the vulnerability does not impact confidentiality or integrity, but it can lead to service disruptions, which could affect operational capabilities.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world deployment risk associated with this vulnerability is moderate, primarily due to its low attack complexity and network exposure. Organizations using json-path should assess the potential blast radius of this vulnerability within their environment, as it could lead to significant service interruptions.
Given that the vulnerability has a CVSS score of 5.3, organizations should address it in their priority patch cycle. The impact on business operations, particularly in applications relying on json-path for JSON processing, can be substantial.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to mitigate risks associated with this vulnerability, especially as it pertains to maintaining service availability and ensuring that critical operations are not disrupted.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the json-path library include all versions from 2.2.0 up to, but not including, 2.9.0. Organizations should ensure they are using a patched version to avoid the risks associated with this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to json-path version 2.9.0 or later. If an upgrade is not immediately feasible, consider implementing temporary workarounds, such as input validation or additional network security controls, to mitigate the risk.
Additionally, organizations should monitor their systems for any unusual activity that might indicate attempts to exploit this vulnerability. Conduct security assessments regularly to ensure compliance with best practices.
Organizations should validate remediation through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation attempts, organizations should monitor application logs for unusual parsing errors or stack overflow exceptions. Additionally, network traffic should be analyzed for unexpected spikes that could indicate a targeted attack.
Behavioral anomalies in application responses should also be reviewed, particularly those concerning JSON processing functionalities.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2023-51074 highlights an important trend in the security landscape regarding vulnerabilities in JSON processing libraries. As the reliance on JSON in modern applications grows, so does the potential attack surface.
Security teams must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing vulnerabilities like this one, as they can lead to significant disruptions if left unpatched. Implementing robust security testing practices can aid in identifying such vulnerabilities early in the development lifecycle.
Organizations are encouraged to adopt a comprehensive security strategy that includes regular code reviews and vulnerability assessments. By prioritizing security, organizations can safeguard their systems against similar threats.
For further insights into security best practices, organizations may consider exploring penetration testing methodologies and maintaining an up-to-date understanding of emerging threats.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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