CVE-2023-0846 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article discusses CVE-2023-0846, a vulnerability identified in OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian that could lead to unauthenticated, stored cross-site scripting attacks.

Understanding CVE-2023-0846

The vulnerability in question involves unauthenticated, stored cross-site scripting in the display of alarm reduction keys in various versions of OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian. This flaw can potentially grant attackers access to confidential session information.

What is CVE-2023-0846?

The CVE-2023-0846 vulnerability allows threat actors to exploit a security weakness related to how alarm reduction keys are displayed in OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian. By leveraging unauthenticated, stored cross-site scripting, attackers can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0846

With a base score of 6.7 out of 10 (medium severity), CVE-2023-0846 has a high impact on confidentiality and integrity. The attack complexity is considered low, requiring only adjacent network access and user interaction, making it a concerning vulnerability for affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0846

The vulnerability description revolves around unauthenticated, stored cross-site scripting in the display of alarm reduction keys in OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw could potentially allow threat actors to access confidential session information through the manipulation of alarm reduction keys.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenNMS Horizon versions less than 31.0.4 and Meridian versions prior to 2023.1.0 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit requires an attacker to inject malicious scripts into the display of alarm reduction keys, which can then be executed in the context of a user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial for organizations to take immediate action to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-0846.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to Meridian version 2023.1.0 or newer, or Horizon version 31.0.4 to address the vulnerability. Additionally, it is recommended to ensure that both Meridian and Horizon installations are not directly accessible from the internet.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and keeping software and systems up to date are essential for long-term security resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

OpenNMS has provided a patch to address the vulnerability. Users are encouraged to upgrade to the latest version of Meridian or Horizon as a preventive measure. Additionally, changing the details.jsp file as specified in the provided solution can help mitigate the risk of exploitation.

By following these mitigation strategies and best security practices, organizations can effectively protect their systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-0846.