CVE-2022-23643 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides details about CVE-2022-23643, a side-channel attack in Sourcegraph Code Monitors.

Understanding CVE-2022-23643

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the Code Monitoring feature of Sourcegraph versions 3.35 and 3.36.

What is CVE-2022-23643?

Sourcegraph's Code Monitoring feature reintroduced a side-channel vulnerability where an attacker could guess strings in private source code, impacting the confidentiality of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23643

The vulnerability allows authenticated but unauthorized actors to guess formatted tokens like API keys by creating multiple Code Monitors.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23643

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue enables attackers to guess strings in private source code, potentially compromising sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Sourcegraph versions >= 3.35 and < 3.35.2, and >= 3.36 and < 3.36.3 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the Code Monitoring feature to guess specific strings in source code, leading to exposure of confidential information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are the recommended steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-23643.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Sourcegraph to versions 3.35.2 and 3.36.3 to patch the vulnerability. Alternatively, disabling the Code Monitor feature is suggested for those unable to upgrade.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, auditing, and regular security assessments can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and staying up to date with software updates is crucial to address known vulnerabilities and enhance overall system security.