CVE-2023-2850 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record was published on July 25, 2023, by Snyk for a vulnerability identified in NodeBB.

Understanding CVE-2023-2850

NodeBB is affected by a Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking vulnerability that stems from the absence of proper validation of the request origin. Exploiting this vulnerability enables attackers to extract specific user information.

What is CVE-2023-2850?

CVE-2023-2850 is a security vulnerability in NodeBB that allows an attacker to conduct Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking by bypassing request origin validation. This can lead to the extraction of user information.

The Impact of CVE-2023-2850

The impact of CVE-2023-2850 is rated as medium with a base severity score of 4.7 out of 10. While the confidentiality impact is low, the integrity and availability impacts are evaluated as none.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-2850

The vulnerability is classified under CWE-1385, specifically highlighting the issue of Missing Origin Validation in WebSockets.

Vulnerability Description

The Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking vulnerability in NodeBB arises due to the lack of validation of the request origin. This oversight enables threat actors to extract user information through exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

NodeBB versions below 2.8.13 are impacted.
NodeBB versions starting from 3.0.0 up to 3.1.2 are also susceptible to this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-2850 allows attackers to perform Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking, leading to the unauthorized extraction of user data by manipulating WebSocket connections.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-2850 and enhance security measures, it is crucial to implement the following actions:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update NodeBB to version 3.1.3 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement strict validation checks for request origins to prevent Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security assessments and code reviews can help in identifying and fixing vulnerabilities like Missing Origin Validation in WebSockets.
Educating developers on secure coding practices and the importance of input validation can contribute to preventing such security flaws in the future.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates released by NodeBB to address known vulnerabilities. Stay informed about the latest security advisories and take prompt action to safeguard your systems from potential threats.