CVE-2023-25403 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record was published on March 3, 2023, by MITRE. The vulnerability affects CleverStupidDog yf-exam version 1.8.0, leading to Authentication Bypass due to the misuse of a fixed JWT key and username format characters in the stored key. This allows any user who logged in within the last 24 hours to forge a token with their username and bypass authentication.

Understanding CVE-2023-25403

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-25403, outlining the vulnerability and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-25403?

CVE-2023-25403 is a vulnerability found in CleverStupidDog yf-exam version 1.8.0, where an attacker can bypass authentication by exploiting a fixed JWT key and utilizing username format characters in the stored key.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25403

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthorized users to forge tokens and bypass authentication, potentially gaining access to sensitive information within the application.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25403

In this section, we explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-25403, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the misuse of a fixed JWT key and username format characters in the stored key, enabling users to forge tokens and circumvent authentication protocols within the CleverStupidDog yf-exam application.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is CleverStupidDog yf-exam version 1.8.0. All instances of this specific version are vulnerable to the authentication bypass exploit detailed in CVE-2023-25403.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by utilizing the fixed JWT key and manipulating the stored key with username format characters. This manipulation allows them to generate forged tokens that grant unauthorized access to the application.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-25403 is crucial to ensuring the security of the affected application and preventing unauthorized access by malicious actors.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implement an immediate update or patch provided by the application vendor to address the vulnerability.
Consider revoking and reissuing JWT keys to prevent misuse by unauthorized users.
Monitor user authentication activities closely to detect any suspicious behavior linked to token forging.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforce a robust authentication mechanism that includes multi-factor authentication to bolster the security of the application.
Conduct regular security audits and assessments to identify and remediate any potential vulnerabilities in the authentication process.
Educate users and administrators about best practices for securing sensitive authentication data and tokens.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by the CleverStupidDog yf-exam application vendor. Timely application of patches is vital in mitigating the risks posed by CVE-2023-25403 and enhancing the overall security posture of the system.