CVE-2023-0101 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-0101 relates to a privilege escalation vulnerability found in Nessus versions 8.10.1 through 8.15.8 and 10.0.0 through 10.4.1. An attacker with authenticated access could exploit this vulnerability to execute a specially crafted file, potentially gaining root or NT AUTHORITY / SYSTEM privileges on the Nessus host.

Understanding CVE-2023-0101

This section delves into the details and impact of the CVE-2023-0101 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-0101?

CVE-2023-0101 is a privilege escalation vulnerability discovered in Nessus versions 8.10.1 through 8.15.8 and 10.0.0 through 10.4.1. Attackers who are authenticated to the system could use a specially crafted file to escalate their privileges to root or NT AUTHORITY / SYSTEM.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0101

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers with authenticated access to potentially gain elevated privileges on the Nessus host, which could lead to further system compromise and unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0101

This section provides a deeper insight into the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-0101 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Nessus versions 8.10.1 through 8.15.8 and 10.0.0 through 10.4.1 enables authenticated attackers to execute a specially crafted file, paving the way for privilege escalation and potential acquisition of root or NT AUTHORITY / SYSTEM privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Not applicable (n/a)
Product: Nessus
Affected Versions: 8.10.1 through 8.15.8, 10.0.0 through 10.4.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves an authenticated attacker leveraging a specially constructed file to execute privileged actions that can lead to acquiring elevated permissions on the targeted Nessus host.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-0101, certain mitigation and preventive measures need to be taken promptly.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update: Ensure that Nessus is updated to a patched version that addresses this vulnerability.
Access Control: Limit and monitor user access to Nessus to prevent unauthorized activities.
Network Segmentation: Implement network segmentation to reduce the attack surface and isolate critical systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular Auditing: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and remediate potential risks.
Employee Training: Provide comprehensive security awareness training to employees to recognize and respond to security threats effectively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Nessus to promptly apply them and mitigate the risk of exploitation related to CVE-2023-0101.