CVE-2023-21743 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a security feature bypass vulnerability identified in Microsoft SharePoint Server, impacting various versions of the software.

Understanding CVE-2023-21743

This vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server allows attackers to bypass security features, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise.

What is CVE-2023-21743?

CVE-2023-21743 refers to a security feature bypass vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint Server, affecting versions 2016, 2019, and Subscription Edition. This vulnerability could be exploited by threat actors to circumvent security controls and gain unauthorized access to the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21743

The impact of this vulnerability is considered medium, with a base score of 5.3 according to the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) version 3.1. Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in information disclosure or other security risks within affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21743

This section provides specific technical details regarding the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-21743 vulnerability allows threat actors to bypass security features in Microsoft SharePoint Server, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of Microsoft SharePoint Server are affected by this vulnerability:

Microsoft SharePoint Enterprise Server 2016 (Version 16.0.0 to less than 16.0.5378.1000)
Microsoft SharePoint Server 2019 (Version 16.0.0 to less than 16.0.10394.20021)
Microsoft SharePoint Server Subscription Edition (Version 16.0.0 to less than 16.0.15601.20418)

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the security feature bypass to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or compromise the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21743 and enhance the security posture of Microsoft SharePoint Server, the following mitigation steps and preventive measures are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement security patches released by Microsoft to address the vulnerability.
Monitor and audit access controls within Microsoft SharePoint Server to detect any unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Microsoft SharePoint Server to ensure the latest security fixes are applied.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Microsoft to promptly apply patches and updates that address CVE-2023-21743 and other security vulnerabilities.