CVE-2023-23596 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security vulnerability with the identifier CVE-2023-23596 has been identified in jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager. This vulnerability allows for OS command injection, potentially enabling an authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary commands on the system. It is important for organizations using this software to understand the impact of this CVE and take necessary steps to mitigate any potential risks.

Understanding CVE-2023-23596

This section will provide an overview of what CVE-2023-23596 entails, including the vulnerability description, impact, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

What is CVE-2023-23596?

The CVE-2023-23596 vulnerability in jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager through version 2.9.19 allows for OS command injection. This security flaw arises when creating an access list, where the backend generates an htpasswd file using user-provided input without proper validation. The crafted input is then directly passed to the exec command, potentially enabling an authenticated attacker to run arbitrary commands on the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23596

The impact of CVE-2023-23596 is significant as it poses a threat to the integrity and security of systems running the affected version of jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially execute malicious commands, leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23596

This section delves into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-23596, providing insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager allows for OS command injection during the creation of an access list. The lack of proper validation of user inputs when building an htpasswd file leaves the system susceptible to command execution by authenticated attackers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager through version 2.9.19. Organizations utilizing this specific version of the software are at risk of exploitation if the necessary security measures are not put in place.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-23596 occurs when an authenticated attacker crafts malicious input during the creation of an access list. By bypassing validation checks, the attacker can inject arbitrary commands into the htpasswd file, leading to the execution of unauthorized actions on the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-23596 vulnerability, organizations should take immediate steps to reduce the risk of exploitation and implement long-term security practices to enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update jc21 NGINX Proxy Manager to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor access lists and user inputs for any suspicious or malicious activity.
Implement strict input validation and sanitization techniques to prevent command injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and assess the security of software applications within the organization.
Train personnel on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation.
Deploy network and application firewalls to filter and block potentially malicious traffic.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for organizations to stay informed about security updates and patches released by software vendors. Applying these patches promptly helps in mitigating known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-23596 and enhancing the overall security of the IT environment.