CVE-2023-22474 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-22474 involves an authentication bypass vulnerability in Parse Server via spoofing, potentially leading to high confidentiality and integrity impacts.

Understanding CVE-2023-22474

This vulnerability in Parse Server allows a client to bypass authentication mechanisms by spoofing the

x-forwarded-for

request header. It affects versions of Parse Server prior to 5.4.1.

What is CVE-2023-22474?

Parse Server is an open-source backend that utilizes the

x-forwarded-for

request header to identify client IP addresses. Without running behind a proxy server, a client can manipulate this header, leading to incorrect IP address usage within Parse Server features. This enables the circumvention of security measures such as the

masterKeyIps

option.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22474

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with potential confidentiality and integrity issues due to incorrect client IP address handling within Parse Server.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22474

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Parse Server allows an attacker to set the

x-forwarded-for

header, bypassing authentication mechanisms and potentially gaining unauthorized access to sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: parse-community
Product: parse-server
Affected Versions: < 5.4.1

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the

x-forwarded-for

request header, an attacker can deceive Parse Server into trusting a falsified client IP address, circumventing security controls.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-22474 and prevent potential exploitation, the following steps should be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update Parse Server to version 5.4.1 or newer, where the issue has been patched. Ensure that the

trustProxy

Parse Server option is correctly set to determine the client IP address.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates related to Parse Server. Implement secure coding practices and configurations to mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply patches and updates provided by parse-community to ensure the Parse Server instance is protected against known vulnerabilities and exploits.