CVE-2023-25164 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves a sensitive information leak via a script file in TinaCMS, a Git-backed headless content management system. The vulnerability affects versions of TinaCMS >= 1.0.0 and < 1.0.9, where sensitive values stored in the process.env variable are exposed in plaintext in the index.js file.

Understanding CVE-2023-25164

This section will cover the details and impact of CVE-2023-25164.

What is CVE-2023-25164?

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25164 in TinaCMS allows for the insertion of sensitive information into log files, exposing this information to unauthorized actors. It poses a high risk to confidentiality.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25164

The impact of CVE-2023-25164 is considered high, with a CVSS v3.1 base severity score of 8.6. This vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive information to attackers, compromising the confidentiality of data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25164

Here we delve into the technical specifics of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in TinaCMS allows sensitive values stored in the process.env variable to be added in plaintext to the index.js file, potentially exposing critical information.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is TinaCMS, particularly versions >= 1.0.0 and < 1.0.9. Users of these versions are at risk of having their sensitive information leaked.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by gaining access to the exposed sensitive information in the index.js file, which may include credentials such as API keys.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25164, mitigation steps and preventive measures are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of affected versions of TinaCMS (>= 1.0.0 and < 1.0.9) should update to the patched version @tinacms/cli@1.0.9 to mitigate the vulnerability.
If sensitive credentials are stored as environment variables, such as Algolia API keys, they should be rotated immediately to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent sensitive information leaks in the future.
Regularly update software components to ensure the latest security patches are applied.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that systems running TinaCMS are regularly updated to the latest versions to address security vulnerabilities and protect sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure.