CVE-2023-21916 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-21916 advisory pertains to a vulnerability in the PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools product of Oracle PeopleSoft, affecting versions 8.58, 8.59, and 8.60. An unauthenticated attacker with network access via HTTP can compromise PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools, potentially leading to unauthorized access to a subset of data. The CVSS 3.1 Base Score for this vulnerability is 5.3, indicating confidentiality impacts.

Understanding CVE-2023-21916

This section will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2023-21916 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-21916?

CVE-2023-21916 is an easily exploitable vulnerability within Oracle's PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools. Attackers with network access via HTTP can compromise the system, potentially gaining unauthorized read access to specific data within PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21916

The vulnerability poses a medium-level risk, with a base severity score of 5.3 (CVSS 3.1 Base Score). The potential impact includes unauthorized access to a subset of PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools accessible data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21916

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in PeopleSoft Enterprise PeopleTools allows an unauthenticated attacker to compromise the system via HTTP, potentially resulting in unauthorized read access to specific data.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product is PeopleSoft Enterprise PT PeopleTools by Oracle Corporation, with versions 8.58, 8.59, and 8.60 known to be affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by an attacker with network access via HTTP, requiring no additional privileges or user interaction. It poses a threat to the confidentiality of the compromised data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-21916 and enhance overall security posture, organizations should take immediate steps and adopt long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement a security patch provided by Oracle to address the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic and system logs for any suspicious activity related to unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software applications to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Oracle to ensure timely application of patches. Regularly check for new releases and security alerts to enhance system security and prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.