CVE-2023-28935 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-28935 article provides insights into an important vulnerability in Apache Software Foundation's Apache UIMA DUCC.

Understanding CVE-2023-28935

This section delves deeper into the nature of the CVE-2023-28935 vulnerability in Apache UIMA DUCC.

What is CVE-2023-28935?

The CVE-2023-28935 vulnerability involves an "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in a Command ('Command Injection')". Specifically, within Apache Software Foundation's Apache UIMA DUCC, an authenticated user with core entity modification permissions can trigger command execution in the system user running the web process. Notably, this vulnerability affects products that are no longer supported by the maintainer, as the related module for UIMA, "Distributed UIMA Cluster Computing," is retired. Given this status, a fix for this issue is not planned.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28935

The vulnerability in Apache UIMA DUCC could potentially lead to remote code execution (RCE) by a malicious actor with the necessary permissions.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28935

In this section, we provide technical details regarding CVE-2023-28935 to enhance understanding and awareness of the issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of special elements in commands, enabling unauthorized command execution by authenticated users with specific permissions within Apache UIMA DUCC.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is Apache UIMA DUCC by Apache Software Foundation, specifically impacting all versions due to the retired status of the "Distributed UIMA Cluster Computing" module.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the vulnerability in Apache UIMA DUCC, an attacker could potentially execute arbitrary commands on the system, posing a significant security risk.

Mitigation and Prevention

Safeguarding systems from CVE-2023-28935 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Given the non-availability of a fix for this vulnerability, organizations using Apache UIMA DUCC should consider migrating to supported alternatives to eliminate exposure to potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporating robust security measures, including regular security audits, access control mechanisms, and comprehensive vulnerability management, can help bolster protection against similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Since a fix is not scheduled for CVE-2023-28935 due to the retirement of the affected module, staying informed about security updates and promptly addressing end-of-life (EOL) products is crucial to maintain a secure environment.