CVE-2023-23762 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An incorrect comparison vulnerability was identified in GitHub Enterprise Server that allowed commit smuggling by displaying an incorrect diff. The vulnerability required the attacker to have write access to the repository and the ability to correctly guess the target branch before it's created by the code maintainer. This issue impacted all versions of GitHub Enterprise Server 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 vulnerability was reported through the GitHub Bug Bounty program.

Understanding CVE-2023-23762

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-23762, shedding light on its nature, impact, and technical details.

What is CVE-2023-23762?

The vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server allowed commit smuggling due to an incorrect comparison, enabling attackers to display misleading information in the diff.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23762

This vulnerability posed a medium severity risk with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.5, affecting the confidentiality of data with low integrity impact. The attack vector was through the network, requiring low privileges but user interaction.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23762

Exploring the vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server in depth to understand its nuances.

Vulnerability Description

The incorrect comparison vulnerability in GitHub Enterprise Server facilitated commit smuggling by presenting an inaccurate diff, potentially leading to content spoofing (CAPEC-148).

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of GitHub Enterprise Server up to 3.9 were vulnerable to commit smuggling through incorrect comparison. Versions 3.4.0 to 3.8.0 were affected, with fixes implemented in versions 3.4.18, 3.5.15, 3.6.11, 3.7.8, and 3.8.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with write access to the repository had the opportunity to exploit this vulnerability by making inaccurate comparisons to perform commit smuggling.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the steps needed to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-23762 and prevent future occurrences.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of GitHub Enterprise Server are advised to update to the patched versions (3.4.18, 3.5.15, 3.6.11, 3.7.8, 3.8.1, or later) to prevent exploitation of the incorrect comparison vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining good access controls, monitoring the integrity of code repositories, and staying vigilant against suspicious activities can help protect against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating GitHub Enterprise Server to the latest stable versions is crucial to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and the security posture of the system is robust.