CVE-2023-27580 : What You Need to Know

This CVE, known as "CodeIgniter Shield Password Shucking Vulnerability," was published on March 13, 2023, by GitHub_M. It highlights a security issue within the authentication and authorization system of the CodeIgniter 4 PHP framework provided by CodeIgniter Shield.

Understanding CVE-2023-27580

This vulnerability in CodeIgniter Shield raises concern due to an improper implementation in the password storage process, impacting hashed passwords stored in Shield v1.0.0-beta.3 or earlier versions. The vulnerability makes the hashed passwords easier to crack, posing a significant risk to user credentials.

What is CVE-2023-27580?

The CVE-2023-27580, also referred to as "CodeIgniter Shield Password Shucking Vulnerability," exposes a flaw in the password storage mechanism of CodeIgniter Shield. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to easily crack hashed passwords.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27580

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as high severity with a CVSS base score of 7.5. It poses a critical risk to the confidentiality of user data as attackers can potentially compromise passwords stored using Shield v1.0.0-beta.3 or earlier.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27580

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability to aid in understanding its implications and importance.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from an inadequate password storage process in CodeIgniter Shield, making hashed passwords stored in versions prior to v1.0.0-beta.4 susceptible to unauthorized access and exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

CodeIgniter Shield versions earlier than v1.0.0-beta.4 are affected by this vulnerability. Users utilizing Shield for password storage are at risk if their system runs on these outdated versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by obtaining the hashed password stored by Shield and another version of the same hashed password without salt, facilitating the cracking of user passwords through unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-27580, immediate action and long-term security practices are crucial.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Shield v1.0.0-beta.4 or the latest version to address the vulnerability.
Update all users' hashed passwords in the database after the upgrade to ensure enhanced security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software and frameworks to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Implement strong password policies and secure password hashing techniques to safeguard user credentials.
Conduct routine security audits and assessments to identify and resolve vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

CodeIgniter Shield users are advised to refer to the provided links for detailed information on upgrading to the latest secure versions and best practices for maintaining a secure authentication and authorization system.