CVE-2023-22462 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a stored XSS vulnerability in the Grafana Text plugin, impacting certain versions of the Grafana open-source platform for monitoring and observability.

Understanding CVE-2023-22462

This vulnerability was identified during an internal audit of Grafana, where a security team member discovered a stored XSS vulnerability in the core "Text" plugin.

What is CVE-2023-22462?

The stored XSS vulnerability in Grafana's Text plugin requires multiple user interactions to be fully exploited. It stems from React's render cycle passing unsanitized HTML code, which is subsequently cleaned up and stored in Grafana's database.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22462

The vulnerability allows an attacker with the Editor role to inject JavaScript into a Text panel. If another user, particularly one with higher privileges like Admin, interacts with the panel, the malicious code can be executed, potentially leading to vertical privilege escalation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22462

The vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.4, with a medium severity level. It has a high impact on confidentiality and integrity, while requiring low privileges and user interaction.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, allowing for XSS attacks through the Grafana Text plugin.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of Grafana affected by this vulnerability include >= 9.2, but < 9.2.10, and >= 9.3, but < 9.3.4.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability requires an attacker with the Editor role to manipulate a Text panel with JavaScript code, which can then be triggered by another user with higher privileges interacting with the panel.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-22462, immediate steps should be taken to secure affected Grafana installations and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their Grafana installations to version 9.2.10 or 9.3.4, which include patches for this vulnerability. Additionally, monitoring user interactions within Text panels can help detect and prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly auditing plugins and components for vulnerabilities can help prevent similar issues in the future. User training on security best practices is also crucial.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating Grafana to the latest secure versions, as well as staying informed about security advisories and patches from the provider, can help maintain a secure environment.