CVE-2023-52428 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting Connect2id Nimbus JOSE+JWT versions prior to 9.37.2. This vulnerability allows an attacker to cause a denial of service (DoS) by utilizing a large JWE p2c header value, commonly referred to as the iteration count, specifically targeting the PasswordBasedDecrypter (PBKDF2) component. The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high level of risk, emphasizing the need for immediate attention.
The risk to organizations includes potential service disruptions due to resource consumption, which can lead to system unavailability. Attackers may leverage this vulnerability over the network with low complexity, requiring no privileges or user interaction. The vulnerability was published on February 11, 2024, and has since been modified, highlighting the evolving nature of this threat.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent potential exploitation and ensure system integrity. While there are no known public exploits or proof of concepts available, the nature of this vulnerability necessitates proactive measures to mitigate risks.
Given the high severity and potential impact, security teams should assess their systems for exposure to this vulnerability and implement appropriate remediation strategies.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability is officially described as follows: In Connect2id Nimbus JOSE+JWT before 9.37.2, an attacker can cause a denial of service (resource consumption) via a large JWE p2c header value for the PasswordBasedDecrypter (PBKDF2) component. This vulnerability has a CVSS score of 7.5, indicating high severity.
The affected product is Nimbus JOSE+JWT, developed by Connect2id. The vulnerability was disclosed on February 11, 2024, and falls under the CWE-770 classification.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the handling of the JWE p2c header value within the PasswordBasedDecrypter component. When a large value is provided, it leads to excessive resource consumption, resulting in a denial of service. The attack vector is network-based, with low complexity and no privileges required for execution. User interaction is not required, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous.
The impact on availability is marked as high, as the vulnerability can render the service unusable. Confidentiality and integrity impacts are noted as none, indicating that this vulnerability does not lead to unauthorized data disclosure or modification.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Real-world deployment risks associated with CVE-2023-52428 are significant. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can disrupt services, leading to potential financial losses and damage to reputation. The availability impact is particularly concerning, as organizations rely on Nimbus JOSE+JWT for secure token handling.
Given the current CVSS score of 7.5, organizations should address this vulnerability in their priority patch cycle. The absence of known exploits does not diminish the urgency of remediation. Organizations must remain vigilant and prepared to respond to potential threats.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability impacts all versions of Nimbus JOSE+JWT prior to 9.37.2. Organizations using this software should ensure they are running a patched version to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate CVE-2023-52428, organizations should update to Nimbus JOSE+JWT version 9.37.2 or later. In the absence of a patch, consider implementing network controls to limit exposure to this vulnerability. Regular monitoring and security assessments can also help identify any potential impacts.
Organizations should validate remediation effectiveness through penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
Monitoring logs for unusual patterns can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Look for indicators of resource exhaustion and monitor system performance to identify anomalies that may suggest an ongoing attack.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2023-52428 lies in its demonstration of how resource consumption vulnerabilities can lead to service disruptions. Security teams should remain vigilant about such threats and implement proactive measures.
This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and the need for continuous security assessments. Lessons learned from this incident should inform future development and security strategies.
For further insights on securing applications, organizations can refer to our vulnerability management program and the importance of proactive security measures.
Additionally, the adoption of API security testing can help mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Finally, organizations should be aware of the evolving nature of security threats and stay informed about the latest trends in cloud security to better protect their systems.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.

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