CVE-2023-22893 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned on April 19, 2023, highlights a security vulnerability in Strapi through version 4.5.5 where access or ID tokens issued during the OAuth flow are not properly verified when using the AWS Cognito login provider for authentication. This oversight could allow a remote attacker to forge an ID token signed with the 'None' algorithm, enabling them to bypass authentication and impersonate any user utilizing AWS Cognito for authentication.

Understanding CVE-2023-22893

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-22893 focusing on the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-22893?

CVE-2023-22893 pertains to a vulnerability in Strapi versions up to 4.5.5 that fails to validate access or ID tokens during the OAuth flow with the AWS Cognito login provider, potentially leading to unauthorized access and impersonation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-22893

The impact of CVE-2023-22893 is significant as it opens up the possibility for a malicious actor to exploit the vulnerability, forge ID tokens, and gain unauthorized access to user accounts utilizing AWS Cognito for authentication within the affected Strapi versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-22893

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Strapi through version 4.5.5 allows an attacker to create a forged ID token signed with the 'None' algorithm, bypassing authentication mechanisms and potentially impersonating legitimate users authenticated through AWS Cognito.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Strapi up to 4.5.5 are affected by this vulnerability when configured to use the AWS Cognito login provider for authentication.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the lack of proper token validation in the OAuth flow with AWS Cognito, a remote attacker can craft a malicious ID token signed with the 'None' algorithm, enabling them to impersonate any user authenticated through AWS Cognito.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-22893 requires immediate action to address the vulnerability and prevent potential unauthorized access and impersonation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using Strapi with the AWS Cognito login provider should update to a patched version that addresses the token validation issue.
Implement additional security measures such as multi-factor authentication to enhance the overall authentication process.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor for security updates and patches provided by Strapi to address vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and remediate any potential security weaknesses in the authentication mechanisms.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Strapi and promptly apply updates to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Regularly review and update authentication configurations to align with best practices and mitigate security risks.