CVE-2023-2253 : Security Advisory and Response

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-2253, a vulnerability found in the

/v2/_catalog

endpoint in distribution/distribution. The flaw allows a malicious user to exploit the endpoint by submitting an unreasonably large value for a parameter, resulting in a denial of service risk through excessive memory usage.

Understanding CVE-2023-2253

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-2253 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-2253?

CVE-2023-2253 is a vulnerability discovered in the

/v2/_catalog

endpoint in distribution/distribution. It stems from the endpoint's acceptance of a parameter (

n

) to control the maximum number of records returned. By manipulating this parameter with an unusually large value, an attacker can trigger the allocation of a massive string array, potentially leading to a denial of service attack through excessive memory consumption.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2253

The impact of CVE-2023-2253 lies in its ability to be exploited by a malicious actor to disrupt services by exploiting the server's memory resources. This can result in decreased system performance, service downtime, and potential financial losses for affected organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2253

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2253, including its vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the

/v2/_catalog

endpoint in distribution/distribution arises from the acceptance of a parameter (

n

) to control the number of records returned. By submitting an excessively large value for

n

, a malicious user can cause the allocation of a massive string array, leading to a potential denial of service scenario due to memory exhaustion.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the vendor "n/a" and the product "distribution/distribution". As such, systems utilizing this specific endpoint are at risk of exploitation if proper mitigation measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-2253 involves manipulating the

n

parameter within the

/v2/_catalog

endpoint to trigger the allocation of a massive string array. This action can overwhelm the system's memory resources and lead to a denial of service condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on steps that organizations can take to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-2253 and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply relevant security patches or updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability promptly.
It is advisable to restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint and implement appropriate input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious inputs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and code reviews can help identify and address vulnerabilities within the system proactively.
Employee awareness training on secure coding practices and threat detection can enhance the organization's overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by the vendor to patch vulnerabilities and enhance system security.
Timely deployment of patches and updates is crucial to safeguard systems from exploitation and potential cyber threats.