CVE-2023-28158 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-28158, assigned by Apache, involves a privilege escalation vulnerability in Apache Archiva, impacting versions less than 2.2.10. The vulnerability allows authenticated users to perform privilege escalation through stored XSS using the file upload service to upload malicious content.

Understanding CVE-2023-28158

This section delves into the details of the CVE-2023-28158 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-28158?

The CVE-2023-28158 vulnerability in Apache Archiva enables privilege escalation via stored XSS. Authenticated users can exploit this vulnerability by injecting XSS content into directory names when using the file upload service, thereby gaining unauthorized privileges, such as admin access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28158

The impact of CVE-2023-28158 is significant as it allows attackers with authenticated access to escalate their privileges within the system, potentially leading to unauthorized admin privileges and further exploitation of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28158

In this section, we explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-28158.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves privilege escalation through stored XSS using the file upload service in Apache Archiva. This allows authenticated users to upload malicious content and gain unauthorized privileges.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Archiva versions below 2.2.10 are affected by CVE-2023-28158. Organizations using these vulnerable versions are at risk of privilege escalation through stored XSS.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit can only be carried out by authenticated users who have the ability to create directory names and upload content via the file upload service. By injecting XSS content into the directory name, attackers can escalate their privileges to gain admin-level access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent CVE-2023-28158 is crucial for maintaining security within systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should promptly update Apache Archiva to version 2.2.10 or above to mitigate the privilege escalation vulnerability. Additionally, enforcing strict authentication and access control measures can help prevent unauthorized users from exploiting the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing regular security assessments and code reviews can help identify and address vulnerabilities like stored XSS in a timely manner. Educating users on secure coding practices and the risks of privilege escalation can also enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security updates and patches released by Apache Software Foundation is essential. Promptly applying patches and updates to Apache Archiva can help protect the system from known vulnerabilities and exploit risks.