CVE-2023-25835 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published on July 20, 2023, by Esri, indicating a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Esri Portal for ArcGIS Enterprise Sites versions 10.8.1 – 11.1 that poses a potential risk to users. The issue was updated on November 30, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-25835

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-25835, shedding light on what this vulnerability entails.

What is CVE-2023-25835?

The CVE-2023-25835 involves a stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability in Esri Portal for ArcGIS Enterprise Sites versions 10.8.1 – 11.1. It may enable a remote, authenticated attacker to inject malicious JavaScript code into the site configuration, leading to the execution of arbitrary code in a victim’s browser. The attack requires high privileges to be successful.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25835

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as "HIGH" based on the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) v3.1 metrics. It has the potential to affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a critical security concern. The assigned CAPEC ID for this vulnerability is CAPEC-63, which classifies it as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) threat.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25835

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-25835, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in a victim’s browser via a crafted link stored in the site configuration.

Affected Systems and Versions

Esri Portal for ArcGIS Enterprise Sites versions 10.8.1 – 11.1 running on 64-bit platforms are impacted by this vulnerability. Users operating these versions should take immediate action to address the security risk posed by CVE-2023-25835.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability requires a remote, authenticated attacker to create a malicious link stored within the site configuration. When a user interacts with this link, it triggers the execution of arbitrary JavaScript code in the victim’s browser. The privilege level needed to carry out this attack is high, amplifying its severity.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on mitigation strategies and preventive measures to safeguard systems against CVE-2023-25835.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-25835, organizations should promptly apply the security patch provided by Esri for Portal for ArcGIS Enterprise Sites versions 10.8.1 – 11.1. Additionally, users are advised to restrict access and privileges to reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should implement comprehensive security measures, including regular security assessments, employee training on safe browsing practices, and continuous monitoring of web applications for vulnerabilities. By adopting a proactive security stance, businesses can enhance their resilience against potential cyber threats.

Patching and Updates

Regularly checking for security updates and patches from Esri is crucial to ensure that systems are fortified against known vulnerabilities. Timely deployment of patches can close security gaps and bolster the overall security posture of the affected systems. It is imperative for organizations to stay informed about security advisories and act promptly to secure their environments.

By addressing the vulnerabilities highlighted in CVE-2023-25835 proactively, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity resilience and protect sensitive data from potential exploitation.