CVE-2023-23761 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-23761 pertains to an improper authentication vulnerability found in GitHub Enterprise Server that could allow an unauthorized actor to modify other users' secret gists through authentication via an SSH certificate authority.

Understanding CVE-2023-23761

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-23761 vulnerability and its impacts.

What is CVE-2023-23761?

The vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server enabled unauthorized individuals to alter secret gists of other users by authenticating through an SSH certificate authority. This could be done if the attacker possessed the URL of the specific secret gist. The issue affected all GitHub Enterprise Server versions prior to 3.9 and was addressed in versions 3.4.18, 3.5.15, 3.6.11, 3.7.8, and 3.8.1.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23761

The impact of this vulnerability is classified under CAPEC-114 - Authentication Abuse. It holds a high severity level with a CVSS V3.1 base score of 7.7, indicating significant risks associated with integrity and confidentiality compromises.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23761

This section provides more insights into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper authentication within GitHub Enterprise Server, allowing unauthorized modification of secret gists by exploiting the SSH certificate authority.

Affected Systems and Versions

GitHub Enterprise Server versions up to 3.8.0 were affected, while versions 3.4.18, 3.5.15, 3.6.11, 3.7.8, and 3.8.1 were identified and fixed to address the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, attackers needed to authenticate through an SSH certificate authority and have knowledge of the target secret gist's URL.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-23761 is crucial for enhancing system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediate actions include updating the GitHub Enterprise Server to versions 3.4.18, 3.5.15, 3.6.11, 3.7.8, or 3.8.1 to patch the vulnerability and protect against potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust authentication mechanisms, monitoring for unauthorized access, and regularly updating systems are vital long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches, staying informed about software vulnerabilities, and following best practices in system administration are essential to maintain a secure environment and protect against emerging threats.