CVE-2023-24998 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Apache Commons FileUpload and Apache Tomcat that could allow an attacker to trigger a Denial of Service (DoS) attack by uploading a malicious file or a series of uploads.

Understanding CVE-2023-24998

This section will delve into the details of the CVE, highlighting the vulnerability, its impact, and the affected systems and versions.

What is CVE-2023-24998?

The CVE-2023-24998 vulnerability arises from Apache Commons FileUpload before version 1.5. This version does not restrict the number of request parts to be processed, potentially enabling an attacker to launch a DoS attack by uploading malicious content. It's important to note that the new configuration option to set limits is not enabled by default and requires explicit configuration.

The Impact of CVE-2023-24998

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential for malicious actors to exploit it to overload systems with excessive file uploads, leading to a DoS situation. By not limiting the number of request parts processed, sensitive systems could become unresponsive, affecting availability and potentially causing disruptions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-24998

This section will provide a more technical insight into the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, and how the exploitation can occur.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Apache Commons FileUpload allows attackers to upload an excessive number of request parts, potentially leading to a DoS attack. This lack of proper resource throttling can overload the system, affecting its normal operation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following systems and versions are impacted by this vulnerability:

Apache Commons FileUpload before version 1.5
Apache Tomcat versions: 11.0.0-M1, up to 10.1.4, up to 9.0.70, up to 8.5.84

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a large number of request parts, exceeding the system's capacity to handle them. This can lead to resource depletion and ultimately result in a DoS condition.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-24998, organizations and users should implement immediate steps to mitigate the risk and adopt long-term security practices to enhance their overall defense against such vulnerabilities. Additionally, applying relevant patches and updates is crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Consider implementing limits on the number of request parts processed.
Regularly monitor system resources for any unusual activities related to file uploads.
Stay informed about security advisories and patches related to Apache Commons FileUpload and Apache Tomcat.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Implement secure coding practices and adhere to secure configuration guidelines.
Educate users and administrators on best practices for handling file uploads and mitigating DoS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Keep Apache Commons FileUpload and Apache Tomcat up to date with the latest patches and security updates.
Promptly apply patches released by the vendors to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security against potential threats.