CVE-2023-20860 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published on March 27, 2023, by VMware for a vulnerability affecting Spring Framework versions 6.0.0 to 6.0.6 and 5.3.0 to 5.3.25. The issue arises when using "**" as a pattern in Spring Security configuration with the mvcRequestMatcher, causing a mismatch in pattern matching between Spring Security and Spring MVC, potentially leading to a security bypass.

Understanding CVE-2023-20860

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-20860, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20860?

CVE-2023-20860 is a security vulnerability in Spring Framework that occurs when a specific pattern is used in Spring Security configuration, leading to a mismatch in pattern matching and creating a potential security bypass.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20860

The vulnerability poses a risk of security bypass in systems running affected versions of the Spring Framework, potentially allowing unauthorized access or actions by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20860

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-20860, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the use of "**" as a pattern in Spring Security configuration with the mvcRequestMatcher, causing a discrepancy in pattern matching between Spring Security and Spring MVC.

Affected Systems and Versions

Spring Framework versions 6.0.0 to 6.0.6 and 5.3.0 to 5.3.25 are affected by CVE-2023-20860 when the specific configuration leading to pattern mismatch is employed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the mismatch in pattern matching caused by the misconfiguration in Spring Security and Spring MVC, threat actors can potentially bypass security controls to gain unauthorized access or perform malicious actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2023-20860 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices to mitigate the risk effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators and security teams are advised to review Spring Security configurations, specifically addressing the usage of "**" as a pattern in the mvcRequestMatcher to prevent the security bypass.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying updated on vulnerabilities and patches for Spring Framework are essential for maintaining a robust security posture.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that systems running affected versions of Spring Framework are updated with patches or fixes provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation by threat actors.