CVE-2023-22726 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the 'act' project, leading to privilege escalation. The vulnerability allows an attacker to download and overwrite arbitrary files on the host from a Github Action, potentially resulting in privilege escalation.

Understanding CVE-2023-22726

This section provides an insight into the nature of the CVE, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-22726?

CVE-2023-22726 refers to an unrestricted file upload vulnerability in the 'act' project, specifically affecting the artifact server that stores artifacts from GitHub Action runs. The vulnerability arises due to the lack of sanitization of path inputs, enabling an attacker to manipulate file paths and potentially execute malicious actions on the host system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22726

The impact of this vulnerability is classified as high, with confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts all rated as high. This can lead to privilege escalation for an attacker, compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22726

This section delves into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the 'act' project allows for unrestricted file upload with dangerous file types, potentially leading to arbitrary file overwriting and privilege escalation. The '/upload' and '/artifact' endpoints are particularly vulnerable to path traversal attacks, as the file paths are controlled by the user and not properly sanitized.

Affected Systems and Versions

The 'act' project versions earlier than 0.2.40 are affected by this vulnerability. Users utilizing versions prior to 0.2.40 are at risk of exploitation and should take immediate action to secure their systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the file paths in the '/upload' and '/artifact' endpoints, allowing an attacker to perform unauthorized file operations and potentially escalate their privileges on the host system.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-22726 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to upgrade to version 0.2.40 or later of the 'act' project to mitigate the vulnerability. Upgrading to the patched version will address the file upload issue and enhance the security posture of the affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

In addition to patching the system, users are encouraged to implement long-term security practices such as input validation, secure coding practices, and regular security assessments to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and promptly applying patches is crucial to maintaining a secure software environment. Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to the 'act' project to ensure the protection of your systems against known vulnerabilities.