CVE-2023-28955 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified in IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data version 4.0 that could potentially result in a denial of service if exploited. The vulnerability was published on July 10, 2023, by IBM.

Understanding CVE-2023-28955

IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data 4.0 has a security flaw that could be exploited by an authenticated user to trigger a denial of service attack.

What is CVE-2023-28955?

The vulnerability in IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data 4.0 allows an authenticated user to submit a specially crafted request, leading to a denial of service situation. This issue has been assigned IBM X-Force ID: 251704.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28955

If successfully exploited, this vulnerability could have a significant impact on the availability of the affected system. It could lead to a denial of service, disrupting normal operations and potentially causing downtime for users.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28955

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data 4.0 arises from the improper validation of input, specifically allowing an authenticated user to send a malicious request that triggers a denial of service scenario.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product is the IBM Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data version 4.0. Users utilizing this specific version are susceptible to the denial of service vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated user can exploit this vulnerability by crafting and sending a malicious request to the affected system. Upon successful exploitation, the system may become unresponsive or experience disruptions in service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-28955, users are advised to take immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply relevant security patches or updates provided by IBM to address the vulnerability in Watson Knowledge Catalog on Cloud Pak for Data 4.0.
Organizations should monitor network traffic and system logs for any signs of suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ best practices for secure coding and input validation to prevent similar vulnerabilities in software applications.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential security gaps within the IT infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from IBM related to the Watson Knowledge Catalog product.
Promptly apply patches and updates to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities and security threats.