CVE-2023-23936 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-23936 relates to a CRLF Injection vulnerability found in the Node.js 'undici' library via the 'host' header.

Understanding CVE-2023-23936

This vulnerability, assigned the Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) ID of CWE-93, allows for the improper neutralization of CRLF sequences, leading to potential security risks.

What is CVE-2023-23936?

The CVE-2023-23936 vulnerability involves the Undici library, which is an HTTP/1.1 client for Node.js. Versions starting from 2.0.0 and before 5.19.1 are affected by this CRLF injection flaw in the 'host' HTTP header. The issue has been addressed in Undici version 5.19.1.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23936

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate HTTP responses, insert arbitrary headers, perform various attacks like HTTP response splitting, and potentially launch other attacks on the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23936

The following technical details provide insights into the vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The Undici library in Node.js fails to properly sanitize the 'host' HTTP header, leaving it susceptible to CRLF injection attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The 'nodejs' Undici library versions ranging from >=2.0.0 to <5.19.1 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by injecting CRLF sequences into the 'host' header, which may lead to various malicious activities.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-23936 and prevent potential exploitation, the following steps can be taken:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to Undici version 5.19.1 or later to mitigate the CRLF injection vulnerability.
Ensure that input to the 'host' header is properly sanitized to avoid malicious manipulation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to sanitize user inputs and prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Regularly monitor for security advisories and updates related to the Undici library and Node.js ecosystem.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the provided references for detailed information on patches and updates released to address CVE-2023-23936. Stay informed about security releases to apply relevant patches promptly.