CVE-2023-28857 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a vulnerability related to LDAP password leak in Apereo CAS, impacting versions ranging from 6.5.0 to 6.5.9.1 and from 6.6.0 to 6.6.6. The issue has been assigned a base score of 4 and a medium severity level.

Understanding CVE-2023-28857

This vulnerability in Apereo CAS, an open source single sign-on solution, allows unauthenticated users to leak the password used for LDAP connection configured on the server. It stems from the way X509CredentialsAuthenticationHandler fetches revocation URLs from the certificate, leading to a potential password leak.

What is CVE-2023-28857?

Apereo CAS utilizes X509 certificates for authentication, and when configured to use LDAP server for x509 authentication with a password, a flaw allows attackers to extract the password via LDAP URLs, potentially compromising security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28857

If exploited, this vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in LDAP servers, posing a risk to the confidentiality of data and compromising the security integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28857

The vulnerability is categorized with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 4, indicating medium severity. It has a high attack complexity and network-based attack vector.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the mishandling of X509 certificate revocation URLs by X509CredentialsAuthenticationHandler, resulting in the leakage of the LDAP server password used for x509 authentication.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of Apereo CAS from 6.5.0 to 6.5.9.1 and from 6.6.0 to 6.6.6 are impacted by this vulnerability, specifically those utilizing LDAP server for x509 authentication with a password.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the revocation URLs fetched from the X509 certificate, leading to the leakage of the password used for LDAP connections on the Apereo CAS server.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28857 and prevent exploitation, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to version 6.6.6 of Apereo CAS where the vulnerability has been resolved. It is crucial to update the software promptly to mitigate the risk of password leakage via LDAP URLs.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating software components helps maintain the security posture of systems. Additionally, proper configuration of authentication mechanisms and monitoring for unauthorized access attempts are essential for safeguarding against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring security advisories and promptly applying patches released by software vendors are key practices to mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28857. Organizations should prioritize the installation of security updates to protect against emerging threats and enhance system security.