CVE-2023-26492 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Directus that makes it susceptible to Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) when importing a file from a remote web server. The issue was assigned by GitHub_M and was published on March 3, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-26492

Directus, a real-time API and App dashboard for managing SQL database content, is affected by a vulnerability that enables SSRF when a file is imported from a remote web server, specifically when posting to

/files/import

. Attackers can exploit this flaw to bypass security controls and potentially access sensitive data from internal servers or conduct a local port scan.

What is CVE-2023-26492?

The vulnerability in Directus allows threat actors to perform a DNS rebinding attack, leading to unauthorized access to internal servers and the theft of sensitive information. The issue has been resolved in version 9.23.0.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26492

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5. Although the attack complexity is low, the confidentiality impact is low while the integrity impact is none. Immediate action is crucial to mitigate potential risks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26492

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, the affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Directus arises from its susceptibility to SSRF when importing files from remote web servers via the

/files/import

endpoint. This allows attackers to compromise sensitive data and potentially breach internal servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Directus versions prior to 9.23.0 are impacted by this vulnerability. It is crucial for users to update to the patched version to secure their systems against potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging a DNS rebinding attack to trick the system into communicating with malicious servers, thereby gaining unauthorized access to sensitive information stored on internal servers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from the risks associated with CVE-2023-26492, certain immediate steps must be taken alongside the implementation of long-term security practices and timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Directus to version 9.23.0 or later to eliminate the vulnerability and protect sensitive data.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activities that may indicate SSRF attempts.
Educate users and administrators about the risks of SSRF and the importance of secure file imports.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities in the system.
Implement strict access controls and permissions to limit the impact of potential SSRF attacks.
Stay informed about security best practices and emerging threats in the cybersecurity landscape.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches from Directus to ensure that the system is protected against known vulnerabilities. Timely application of patches is crucial in maintaining the security integrity of the platform.