CVE-2023-25559 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves system account impersonation in DataHub, an open-source metadata platform, leading to potential security vulnerabilities due to improper authentication.

Understanding CVE-2023-25559

This vulnerability, assigned as CVE-2023-25559, allows for system account impersonation in DataHub, affecting versions below 0.8.45 of the platform. The issue was identified by the GitHub Security Lab and is tracked as GHSL-2022-079.

What is CVE-2023-25559?

DataHub, as an open-source metadata platform, employs the X-DataHub-Actor HTTP header to determine the user sending requests from the frontend. However, an attacker can manipulate this system to impersonate the system user account, potentially leading to an authorization bypass.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25559

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.2 (High severity). It can result in high confidentiality and integrity impacts, with the attack vector being through the network.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25559

The following technical details outline the vulnerability and its implications:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the case-insensitive retrieval of the X-DataHub-Actor HTTP header, allowing attackers to exploit header name differentials and impersonate system user accounts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is DataHub, specifically versions below 0.8.45, where this vulnerability can be exploited to impersonate system user accounts.

Exploitation Mechanism

By abusing the case differential in header name retrieval, attackers can smuggle a modified X-DataHub-Actor header to impersonate system user accounts, potentially bypassing authorization controls.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25559 and prevent potential security risks, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update DataHub to version 0.8.45 or above to patch the vulnerability.
Implement proper authentication mechanisms to avoid unauthorized system account impersonation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit HTTP header usage to detect any potential unauthorized activities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address other possible vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of software patches and updates provided by DataHub to safeguard against known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-25559.