CVE-2023-0662 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-0662 pertains to a denial of service vulnerability found in PHP versions 8.0.x before 8.0.28, 8.1.x before 8.1.16, and 8.2.x before 8.2.3 due to an excessive number of parts in HTTP form uploads, leading to high resource consumption and log entries.

Understanding CVE-2023-20657

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-0662, shedding light on the vulnerability's nature and impact.

What is CVE-2023-20657?

In PHP versions 8.0.x, 8.1.x, and 8.2.x, an excessive number of parts in HTTP form uploads can trigger a high resource consumption scenario with an abundance of log entries. This can potentially exhaust CPU resources or disk space, resulting in a denial of service on the affected server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20657

The impact of this vulnerability, as categorized under CAPEC-130 Excessive Allocation, can lead to a significant disruption in the availability of the PHP application, potentially causing service downtime and affecting users' ability to access the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20657

To better comprehend the technical aspects of CVE-2023-0662, consider the following details:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from PHP's inability to handle an excessive number of parts in HTTP form uploads efficiently, leading to resource exhaustion and denial of service conditions on affected servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

PHP versions susceptible to CVE-2023-0662 include 8.0.x (before 8.0.28), 8.1.x (before 8.1.16), and 8.2.x (before 8.2.3). Users operating these versions are at risk of exploitation unless mitigating measures are applied.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves sending HTTP form uploads with an excessive number of parts to the PHP application, which in turn consumes resources disproportionately, ultimately resulting in a denial of service state.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to implement appropriate measures to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-0662 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider updating PHP versions to the patched releases (8.0.28, 8.1.16, 8.2.3) to address the vulnerability.
Monitor server resources regularly to detect any unusual spikes in resource consumption that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address any potential weaknesses in the PHP environment.
Educate system administrators and developers on secure coding practices to minimize the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and releases from PHP Group to promptly apply patches and updates addressing known vulnerabilities, ensuring the PHP environment remains secure against potential threats.