CVE-2023-2591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record highlights a vulnerability in the GitHub repository nilsteampassnet/teampass that allows for improper neutralization of input during web page generation, also known as 'Cross-site Scripting', prior to version 3.0.7.

Understanding CVE-2023-2591

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-2591, shedding light on what it entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-2591?

CVE-2023-2591 is categorized as improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically falling under CWE-79 ('Cross-site Scripting'). This vulnerability allows for malicious actors to inject scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized access or actions.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2591

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as high, with a base severity score of 7.1 out of 10. If exploited, it could result in compromised integrity of web pages, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts within a user's browser environment.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2591

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-2591, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in nilsteampassnet/teampass prior to version 3.0.7 arises from the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, enabling Cross-site Scripting attacks. This flaw allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the context of an affected user's session.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected vendor is nilsteampassnet with the impacted product being nilsteampassnet/teampass. Versions of the software prior to 3.0.7 are vulnerable to this Cross-site Scripting issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited through the manipulation of input fields on web pages generated by the affected software. Attackers can insert malicious scripts that get executed when unsuspecting users interact with the compromised pages, leading to potential data theft or unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-2591 requires immediate action to secure systems and prevent potential exploitation. Here are some recommended steps for addressing this vulnerability effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade nilsteampassnet/teampass to version 3.0.7 or later to mitigate the Cross-site Scripting vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent malicious script injections on web pages.
Regularly monitor and audit web applications for any signs of unauthorized script executions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Conduct periodic security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential security gaps.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by nilsteampassnet for teampass to address known vulnerabilities promptly. Regularly applying software patches helps in safeguarding systems against potential exploits.

By following these mitigation strategies and maintaining proactive security measures, organizations can enhance their defenses against CVE-2023-2591 and similar web-based vulnerabilities.