CVE-2022-23773 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides an overview of CVE-2022-23773, a vulnerability found in cmd/go in Go versions before 1.16.14 and 1.17.x before 1.17.7 that can lead to misinterpretation of branch names as version tags, potentially resulting in incorrect access control.

Understanding CVE-2022-23773

In this section, we will explore the details of the CVE-2022-23773 vulnerability, including its impact, technical description, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2022-23773?

cmd/go in Go before 1.16.14 and 1.17.x before 1.17.7 can misinterpret branch names that falsely appear to be version tags, leading to incorrect access control scenarios.

The Impact of CVE-2022-23773

The vulnerability can potentially allow an actor to bypass access controls by creating branches that are mistakenly treated as version tags, compromising the security of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-23773

Let's delve into the technical specifics of CVE-2022-23773, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

cmd/go in affected Go versions can confuse branch names with version tags, resulting in a security gap where branch creation may bypass intended access restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Go versions prior to 1.16.14 and 1.17.x versions before 1.17.7, exposing systems to potential access control misinterpretation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the misinterpretation of branch names as version tags, threat actors could potentially gain unauthorized access or permissions within the affected system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems from CVE-2022-23773, immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update affected Go installations to versions 1.16.14 or 1.17.7 to patch the vulnerability and ensure proper access control mechanisms.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintain a proactive approach to security by regularly updating software, monitoring for unusual activities, and enforcing least privilege access policies.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by vendors to promptly address vulnerabilities like CVE-2022-23773 and enhance system security.