CVE-2023-0871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-0871 article provides detailed information about an XML External Entity (XXE) injection vulnerability identified in OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian software.

Understanding CVE-2023-0871

CVE-2023-0871 is an XXE injection vulnerability affecting OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian software versions. This vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the /rtc/post/ endpoint in OpenNMS Horizon version 31.0.8 and earlier versions up to 32.0.2, enabling them to perform XML external entity injections. This could lead to unauthorized HTTP requests being made to both internal and external services.

What is CVE-2023-0871?

This vulnerability exposes OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian software to XXE injections, potentially allowing threat actors to manipulate the software to make arbitrary HTTP requests. The security issue affects multiple platforms and requires an upgrade to newer versions to mitigate the risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0871

The impact of CVE-2023-0871 is concerning as it could lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of internal and external services by exploiting the XXE injection vulnerability in OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian software.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0871

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an XXE injection in the /rtc/post/ endpoint of OpenNMS Horizon, making versions 31.0.8 and below susceptible. The solution involves upgrading to Meridian 2023.1.6, 2022.1.19, 2021.1.30, 2020.1.38, or Horizon 32.0.2 or newer versions.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenNMS Horizon versions 31.0.8 and below, as well as Meridian versions 2023.1.6, 2022.1.19, 2021.1.30, and 2020.1.38, are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows threat actors to perform XML external entity injections through the /rtc/post/ endpoint, potentially enabling unauthorized HTTP requests to be made to internal and external services.

Mitigation and Prevention

To secure systems against CVE-2023-0871, it is crucial to follow immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the recommended versions - Meridian 2023.1.6, 2022.1.19, 2021.1.30, 2020.1.38, or Horizon 32.0.2 or newer to prevent exploitation of the XXE injection vulnerability in OpenNMS software.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure that OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian installations are kept within private networks as per the software's installation instructions to reduce exposure to external threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for updates and security patches for OpenNMS Horizon and Meridian software to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.