CVE-2023-6185 is a high-severity vulnerability that impacts the GStreamer integration of The Document Foundation's LibreOffice. This vulnerability allows attackers to execute arbitrary GStreamer plugins due to improper input validation. In affected versions, the filename of the embedded video is not sufficiently escaped when passed to GStreamer. This oversight enables attackers to run arbitrary GStreamer plugins depending on the plugins installed on the target system.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 8.3, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is classified as adjacent network, which means that an attacker needs to be on the same local network as the vulnerable system. However, the attack complexity is low, and user interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability, which increases the risk to organizations that utilize affected versions of LibreOffice.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as the vulnerability could lead to significant security breaches. The potential impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high, which further emphasizes the need for a swift response.
Currently, there are no known exploits for this vulnerability, and it is not included in the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. However, organizations should remain vigilant and apply the necessary updates to protect their systems.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability stems from improper input validation in the GStreamer integration of LibreOffice. The official description states that the filename of the embedded video is not properly escaped, which allows execution of arbitrary GStreamer plugins on the system. This vulnerability affects multiple versions of LibreOffice, specifically those between 7.5.0 and 7.5.9 and between 7.6.0 and 7.6.3.
The CVSS score from the NVD is 8.8, reflecting a significant risk to organizations using vulnerable versions of the software. The vulnerability is classified under the CWE as 'NVD-CWE-noinfo', indicating a lack of specific weakness information.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is the failure to adequately escape the filename of embedded videos, which leads to improper input validation in the GStreamer framework. The attack vector is adjacent network, meaning that an attacker must be on the same local network. The complexity of the attack is low, and only low privileges are required, with user interaction necessary to exploit the vulnerability.
The confidentiality impact is low, while the integrity and availability impacts are high. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized access to system resources and the ability to execute arbitrary code through installed GStreamer plugins.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk of this vulnerability is significant, especially for organizations that utilize LibreOffice in environments where GStreamer is installed. The ability for an attacker to execute arbitrary plugins could lead to loss of data integrity and service availability. Furthermore, the vulnerability could enable attackers to pivot and escalate their access within the organizational network.
Given the high CVSS score, organizations must assess their exposure and prioritize remediation efforts. The urgency is underscored by the potential for exploitation in environments where GStreamer plugins are widely used.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of LibreOffice include all versions from 7.5.0 to 7.5.9 and from 7.6.0 to 7.6.3. Additionally, the vulnerability affects Debian Linux versions 11.0 and 12.0, as well as Fedora 38.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to remediate this vulnerability. The recommended actions include upgrading to the latest versions of LibreOffice that address this issue. Specific guidance can be found in the vendor advisories.
Application security assessments can further help organizations identify vulnerabilities in their systems and ensure secure configurations.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any anomalies related to GStreamer plugin execution. Additionally, they should establish behavioral anomalies that could indicate exploitation attempts. Network signatures associated with GStreamer and impacted applications should be developed to detect potential malicious activity.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
This vulnerability highlights the importance of rigorous input validation across software components. As organizations increasingly rely on interconnected systems, the risk of exploitation expands. Security teams should leverage this incident as a learning opportunity and enhance their validation mechanisms.
For further insights into penetration testing and vulnerability management, organizations can refer to our guide on penetration testing methodology and the importance of continuous security assessments.
Organizations should also consider the implications of improper input validation in their development processes to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future. Regular training and awareness programs can enhance security posture and mitigate risks.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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