CVE-2023-24620 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to an issue identified in Esoteric YamlBeans through version 1.15. The vulnerability allows a crafted YAML document to execute an XML Entity Expansion attack against YamlBeans YamlReader. This exploit utilizes the Anchor feature in YAML to create a small document that, upon reading, expands to a large size, resulting in excessive CPU and memory usage, potentially leading to a Java Out-of-Memory exception.

Understanding CVE-2023-24620

In this section, we will delve deeper into the details surrounding CVE-2023-24620.

What is CVE-2023-24620?

CVE-2023-24620 is a security vulnerability found in Esoteric YamlBeans, enabling malicious actors to carry out an XML Entity Expansion attack by leveraging the Anchor feature in a crafted YAML document.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24620

The impact of this vulnerability includes the potential for CPU and memory exhaustion, specifically leading to a Java Out-of-Memory exception. Attackers could exploit this flaw to disrupt system operations and potentially execute further malicious actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24620

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-24620.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Esoteric YamlBeans through version 1.15 allows for the execution of an XML Entity Expansion attack through a specially crafted YAML document. This attack can result in excessive CPU and memory consumption, posing a risk of system instability and denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include any utilizing Esoteric YamlBeans up to version 1.15. As the vulnerability lies within the YamlBeans YamlReader component, systems incorporating this library are susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By constructing a YAML document with malicious intent and taking advantage of the Anchor feature in YAML, threat actors can trigger excessive resource consumption within the YamlBeans YamlReader, creating a scenario ripe for exploitation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-24620, it is crucial to implement mitigation strategies and preventive measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider upgrading to a patched version of YamlBeans that addresses the identified vulnerability.
Apply security updates or patches provided by the software vendor to mitigate the risk of exploitation.
Monitor system resources for any unusual spikes in CPU or memory usage that could indicate an attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities in dependencies.
Educate development teams on secure coding practices, emphasizing the importance of input validation and secure parsing of data.
Implement runtime application self-protection (RASP) or intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to anomalous behavior.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the latest version of Esoteric YamlBeans, free from the vulnerability outlined in CVE-2023-24620, is installed in your environment. Regularly check for security advisories from the project maintainers and promptly apply relevant updates to maintain a secure software ecosystem.