An issue has been discovered in Django that affects versions 3.2 prior to 3.2.24, 4.2 prior to 4.2.10, and 5.0 prior to 5.0.2. This vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the intcomma template filter, potentially leading to a denial-of-service attack when processing very long strings. With a CVSS score of 7.5, this vulnerability is classified as high severity, indicating significant risk to organizations that utilize these versions of Django.
The nature of this vulnerability presents a real-world risk, especially for applications that may process user-generated input through the intcomma filter. If exploited, attackers may leverage this vulnerability to disrupt service availability, which could lead to significant operational impact.
As of the latest updates, there are no known exploits or public proofs of concept associated with this vulnerability. However, organizations that rely on the affected versions should take immediate action to apply patches and mitigate risks. Given the high severity and the potential for denial-of-service, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
The vulnerability was published on February 6, 2024, and has been classified under CVSS version 3.1 with a high urgency for remediation. Organizations using Django should be vigilant and ensure they are running the latest versions to avoid exposure to this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description states: 'An issue was discovered in Django 3.2 before 3.2.24, 4.2 before 4.2.10, and Django 5.0 before 5.0.2. The intcomma template filter was subject to a potential denial-of-service attack when used with very long strings.' This vulnerability falls under the category of denial-of-service attacks, specifically affecting the availability of the Django application.
The CVSS score of 7.5 indicates a high severity level, as it poses a significant risk to the integrity and availability of the system. The affected products include the Django framework, which is widely used for web development.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability is related to how the intcomma template filter processes input strings. When fed with excessively long strings, it can lead to a denial-of-service condition, effectively causing the application to become unresponsive. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, meaning that an attacker does not need physical access to the server to exploit this vulnerability.
The attack complexity is low, as there are no special privileges required to exploit this vulnerability. User interaction is also not needed, making it easier for potential attackers to leverage the flaw. The impact on availability is high, which further emphasizes the need for organizations to take this vulnerability seriously.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Organizations that deploy Django applications are at risk of service interruption should this vulnerability be exploited. The potential blast radius is significant, as many applications rely on the Django framework for handling user data and requests. The urgency for remediation is high due to the CVSS score of 7.5 and the potential for denial-of-service attacks.
Given that there are currently no known exploits, organizations still need to be proactive in patching the affected versions. The lack of active exploitation should not lead to complacency, as the potential for future attacks remains.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The vulnerability affects Django versions 3.2 prior to 3.2.24, 4.2 prior to 4.2.10, and 5.0 prior to 5.0.2. Organizations should ensure they update to the latest versions to mitigate the risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
To remediate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to Django 3.2.24, 4.2.10, or 5.0.2 or later versions. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing input validation to limit the length of strings processed by the intcomma filter. Additionally, organizations may benefit from reviewing their application architecture to ensure robust defenses against denial-of-service attacks.
For further guidance on effective security testing, organizations should consult resources on penetration testing and consider implementing continuous security practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for unusual patterns of requests, particularly those involving the intcomma filter. Look for high volumes of traffic or requests containing excessively long strings, which may indicate an attempt to exploit the vulnerability.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The discovery of this vulnerability highlights the need for organizations to remain vigilant in their security practices, especially when using widely adopted frameworks like Django. As web applications continue to evolve, so too do the threats targeting them.
Security teams should continually assess their application security posture and adapt to emerging threats. For comprehensive security assessments, consider the following resources: application security assessments, red teaming services, and continuous penetration testing to enhance your security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
.webp)