CVE-2023-28110 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28110 relates to a vulnerability in JumpServer Koko, which is susceptible to command injection for Kubernetes connection. It was published on March 16, 2023, and has a base severity rating of MEDIUM.

Understanding CVE-2023-28110

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-28110, highlighting what it is and the impact it can have.

What is CVE-2023-28110?

JumpServer is a widely used open-source bastion host, and Koko is a component of JumpServer. Koko, the Go version of coco, refactors coco's SSH/SFTP service and Web Terminal service. Prior to version 2.28.8, an exploit in Koko allowed the execution of dangerous commands when connecting to a Kubernetes cluster using illegal tokens. This could potentially disrupt the Koko container environment and impact normal usage. The vulnerability has since been addressed in version 2.28.8.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28110

The vulnerability in JumpServer Koko could lead to unauthorized execution of commands, potentially causing harm to the container environment and disrupting operational services. Users connecting to a Kubernetes cluster using illegal tokens are at risk of exploitation, emphasizing the importance of prompt mitigation measures.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28110

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28110, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability (CWE-77) in JumpServer Koko involves improper neutralization of special elements, leading to command injection. This flaw allows threat actors to execute arbitrary commands within the Kubernetes environment, posing a significant security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts JumpServer's Koko component versions prior to 2.28.8. Users utilizing versions lower than 2.28.8 are susceptible to potential exploitation through command injection when connecting to Kubernetes clusters.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves leveraging illegal tokens to connect to a Kubernetes cluster via Koko. By executing malicious commands, threat actors can manipulate the Koko container environment, compromising system integrity and disrupting regular operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-28110 is crucial to ensure the security of JumpServer deployments. This section outlines immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the significance of applying patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should promptly update JumpServer to version 2.28.8 to eliminate the vulnerability in Koko. Additionally, restricting access and monitoring connections to Kubernetes clusters can help prevent unauthorized command injections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust access controls, conducting regular security assessments, and promoting secure coding practices are essential for maintaining a secure environment. Educating users on potential threats and security best practices can enhance overall resilience against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for software updates and promptly applying patches is essential to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses. Keeping JumpServer and its components up to date is crucial for mitigating security risks and safeguarding against potential exploits.