CVE-2023-26118 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-26118 relates to a vulnerability in versions of the package angular up to version 1.4.9, posing a risk of Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) through the <input type="url"> element due to the utilization of an insecure regular expression in the input[url] functionality. Exploiting this vulnerability is feasible with a carefully-crafted large input, potentially leading to catastrophic backtracking.

Understanding CVE-2023-26118

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-26118, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-26118?

CVE-2023-26118 exposes systems using angular versions up to 1.4.9 to ReDoS attacks via the <input type="url"> element, leveraging an insecure regular expression that could lead to severe performance degradation or even service downtime.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26118

The impact of this vulnerability could be significant, as threat actors could exploit it to launch ReDoS attacks, causing service disruptions, performance issues, or potential system unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26118

This section delves deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26118, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in angular versions up to 1.4.9 stems from the insecure regular expression used in the input[url] functionality, making systems susceptible to ReDoS attacks through crafted <input type="url"> elements.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using angular versions up to 1.4.9, including various related packages like org.webjars.bower:angular, org.webjars.npm:angular, and org.webjars.bowergithub.angular:angular, are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending specially crafted inputs to the vulnerable <input type="url"> element, threat actors can trigger catastrophic backtracking, leading to ReDoS attacks and potential service disruptions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines key steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-26118 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to a secure version of angular that addresses the ReDoS vulnerability.
Implement input validation mechanisms to filter out malicious inputs.
Monitor system performance for signs of ReDoS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Follow secure coding practices and perform regular security assessments.
Stay informed about vulnerabilities in third-party packages and promptly apply patches.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Check for security advisories and updates from the angular project or relevant package repositories to apply patches that address the ReDoS vulnerability in a timely manner.