CVE-2023-28101 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in Flatpak that can lead to misleading terminal output due to improper encoding or escaping of output, potentially allowing an attacker to hide elevated permissions.

Understanding CVE-2023-28101

Flatpak, a system for building, distributing, and running sandboxed desktop applications on Linux, is affected by this vulnerability in versions prior to 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4. Attackers could exploit this issue to manipulate permissions in a way that conceals their true nature from users of the

flatpak(1)

command-line interface.

What is CVE-2023-28101?

The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2023-28101, involves using crafted values containing non-printable control characters like

ESC

to obfuscate elevated permissions when publishing Flatpak applications with malicious intent. This deceptive tactic could mislead users about the actual access levels granted.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28101

The impact of this vulnerability lies in the potential for attackers to deceive users about the permissions assigned to a Flatpak application. By exploiting this flaw, malicious actors could disguise elevated privileges as lower-level permissions, leading users to underestimate the risks associated with running an application.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28101

Flatpak versions below 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4 are vulnerable to this issue due to improper handling of control characters in permissions assignment.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the improper encoding or escaping of output in Flatpak, enabling attackers to obfuscate elevated permissions by manipulating control characters within crafted values.

Affected Systems and Versions

Flatpak versions affected by CVE-2023-28101 include those prior to 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4. Users utilizing these versions may be at risk of falling victim to misleading permission settings.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by publishing Flatpak applications with manipulated permissions that utilize non-printable control characters to mask elevated access levels from unsuspecting users.

Mitigation and Prevention

Given the critical nature of this vulnerability, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-28101.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Flatpak to versions 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, or 1.15.4 to patch the vulnerability.
Avoid installing Flatpak applications from untrusted sources.
Refrain from using the

flatpak(1)

command-line interface and opt for trusted graphical interfaces like GNOME Software for installing applications.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Flatpak to the latest versions to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.
Only install applications from reputable sources to minimize the risk of potential exploits.
Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to maintain a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

The fix for CVE-2023-28101 is available in Flatpak versions 1.10.8, 1.12.8, 1.14.4, and 1.15.4. It is essential to promptly update to these patched versions to eliminate the vulnerability and safeguard against potential exploitation.