CVE-2023-25561 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-25561 pertains to a vulnerability in DataHub related to JAAS misconfiguration that can lead to a login fail open scenario.

Understanding CVE-2023-25561

This CVE involves a security flaw in DataHub, an open-source metadata platform, where an error in the Java Authentication and Authorization Service (JAAS) configuration can result in allowing unauthorized access to the system.

What is CVE-2023-25561?

DataHub, a metadata platform, is susceptible to a vulnerability where incorrect configuration in the JAAS authentication can cause the system to fail open during login attempts, enabling attackers to gain unauthorized access using any username and password.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25561

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows unauthenticated users to bypass the authentication mechanisms and gain access to the system, posing a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of the data stored within DataHub.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25561

This section will cover specific technical details related to the CVE-2023-25561 vulnerability in DataHub.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to a misconfiguration in the JAAS authentication process, where an error in the

authenticateJaasUser

method is not properly handled, leading to the system failing open and permitting unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system in this case is the DataHub platform, specifically versions lower than 0.8.45. Any system running DataHub versions prior to 0.8.45 is at risk of exploitation due to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would leverage the misconfigured JAAS authentication to login to DataHub using any username and password, bypassing the intended authentication checks.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to address and mitigate the CVE-2023-25561 vulnerability in DataHub, certain steps need to be taken.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended for users of DataHub to upgrade their systems to a version that is equal to or higher than 0.8.45 to safeguard against this vulnerability. Prompt patching is crucial to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, it is essential for organizations using DataHub to establish robust security practices, including regular security audits, proper configuration management, and adherence to secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from arising in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates and applying patches from trusted sources is paramount to maintaining the security of DataHub and safeguarding against potential threats like CVE-2023-25561.