CVE-2023-0158 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned by NLnet Labs, involves a triggered crash occurring on direct RRDP access in the Krill software. It was published on January 17, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-0158

This section provides detailed insights into the nature of CVE-2023-0158.

What is CVE-2023-0158?

CVE-2023-0158 involves a vulnerability in NLnet Labs Krill, where direct access to the RRDP repository content through its built-in web server at the "/rrdp" endpoint can lead to a crash. Specifically, querying any existing directory under "/rrdp/" prior to version 0.12.1 can cause Krill to crash.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0158

If the built-in "/rrdp" endpoint is exposed directly to the internet, malicious remote parties can exploit this vulnerability to cause the publication server to crash. While the repository content remains unaffected, the availability of the server and repository may be compromised if the attack persists and is not addressed.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0158

In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0158.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in NLnet Labs Krill's direct access to the RRDP repository content, where querying certain directories can trigger a crash.

Affected Systems and Versions

NLnet Labs Krill versions up to and including 0.12.0 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By making direct directory queries under "/rrdp/" instead of expected RRDP files, attackers can exploit the vulnerability to crash the Krill server.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-0158 is essential to ensure the security of systems using NLnet Labs Krill.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Krill to version 0.12.1 or later to address this vulnerability.
Avoid exposing the "/rrdp" endpoint directly to the internet.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches for Krill to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from NLnet Labs and promptly apply updates to enhance the security posture of your systems.