CVE-2023-25558 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE involves the deserialization of untrusted data in DataHub.

Understanding CVE-2023-25558

This vulnerability in DataHub could potentially lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE) due to unsafe deserialization of user-supplied data.

What is CVE-2023-25558?

DataHub, an open-source metadata platform, has a vulnerability in its frontend authentication process when leveraging the pac4j library. Specifically, if certain

id_token

claims value start with the

{#sb64}

prefix, pac4j considers it to be a serialized Java object and attempts to deserialize it. While there are some restrictions in place with a

RestrictedObjectInputStream

, it still leaves room for potential exploitation with different gadget chains, posing a significant security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25558

The impact of this CVE is rated as HIGH, with a CVSSv3 base score of 7.5. It can result in compromised confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected systems, potentially leading to RCE.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25558

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the unsafe deserialization of untrusted data in DataHub's frontend authentication when processing

id_token

claims with specific prefixes. This can allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects DataHub versions prior to 0.9.5, making them susceptible to exploitation by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the

id_token

claims with certain prefixes, attackers can trigger the deserialization process and potentially execute malicious code through gadget chains, leading to RCE.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-25558, immediate actions and long-term security practices should be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of DataHub are strongly advised to upgrade to version 0.9.5 or newer to mitigate the risk posed by this vulnerability. Additionally, it is recommended to monitor for any signs of unauthorized activity on affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities in dependencies are crucial for maintaining a secure environment and preventing similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying up to date with security patches and software updates is essential for addressing known vulnerabilities and enhancing the overall security posture of the system. Regularly checking for updates from DataHub and relevant security advisories is recommended to stay protected.