CVE-2023-20891 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-20891 article provides detailed information about an information disclosure vulnerability affecting VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs and Isolation Segment.

Understanding CVE-2023-20891

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2023-20891 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-20891?

The CVE-2023-20891 vulnerability pertains to an information disclosure issue found in VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs and Isolation Segment. The vulnerability arises from the logging of credentials in hex encoding in the platform system audit logs. This vulnerability poses a risk where a malicious non-admin user, with access to the audit logs, can retrieve hex encoded CF API admin credentials and potentially push new malicious versions of an application. Notably, in a default deployment setting, non-admin users are typically restricted from accessing the platform system audit logs.

The Impact of CVE-2023-20891

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential disclosure of sensitive information, particularly high in confidentiality impact. With the ability to access admin credentials and manipulate application versions, there is a risk of unauthorized actions and compromise of data integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-20891

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the unsafe logging of credentials in hex encoding in platform system audit logs, enabling unauthorized users to access sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected products include VMware Tanzu Application Service for VMs and Isolation Segment. Specific versions vulnerable to this issue are 4.0.x with versions less than 4.0.5, 3.0.x with versions less than 3.0.14, 2.13.x with versions less than 2.13.24, and 2.11.x with versions less than 2.11.42.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation entails accessing the platform audit logs to retrieve hex encoded CF API admin credentials, allowing the attacker to upload malicious application versions.

Mitigation and Prevention

In light of CVE-2023-20891, implementing timely mitigation measures and long-term security practices is essential to safeguard systems and sensitive data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor and restrict access to platform system audit logs.
Regularly review audit logs for anomalous activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust access controls and privileged user management.
Utilize encryption techniques for sensitive credential storage.

Patching and Updates

Ensure prompt application of security patches provided by VMware to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.