CVE-2023-23928 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE article discusses the vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-23928, which pertains to the "reason-jose" library ignoring signature checks, leading to potential security risks.

Understanding CVE-2023-23928

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-23928, shedding light on its nature and impact.

What is CVE-2023-23928?

CVE-2023-23928 involves a vulnerability in the "reason-jose" library, which is a JOSE implementation in ReasonML and OCaml. Specifically, the issue arises from the fact that the function

Jose.Jws.validate

fails to verify HS256 signatures. As a result, malicious actors could manipulate JWS header and payload data, posing a risk of authorization bypass. Applications that depend on JWS claims assertion for security enforcement may also be susceptible to privilege escalation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23928

The impact of CVE-2023-23928 is categorized as having a medium severity level, with a base score of 5.9. The vulnerability's confidentiality impact is rated as low, while its integrity impact is considered high. It requires low privileges to exploit and has a high attack complexity, with the attack vector being through the network.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23928

This section provides a deeper look into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-23928, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The core issue stems from the inadequate verification of cryptographic signatures, specifically with HS256 signatures in the "reason-jose" library. This oversight allows attackers to manipulate JWS data, potentially leading to security breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts versions of the "reason-jose" library that are lower than version 0.8.2. Systems utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation unless appropriate measures are taken.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit the vulnerability by tampering with JWS header and payload data due to the lack of proper signature checks in the library. This manipulation can enable them to circumvent security controls and potentially escalate privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-23928 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and organizations utilizing the "reason-jose" library should update to version 0.8.2 or newer, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Implementing this patch promptly is crucial to safeguard systems and data from exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance overall security posture, it is recommended to follow best practices such as regularly updating software components, conducting security audits, and enforcing secure coding standards to mitigate similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security patches and updates released by the library maintainers is essential. Organizations should prioritize timely installation of patches to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the resilience of their systems against potential threats.