CVE-2023-31664 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in /authenticationendpoint/login.do of WSO2 API Manager before 4.2.0 allows attackers to execute arbitrary web scripts or HTML via a crafted payload injected into the tenantDomain parameter.

Understanding CVE-2023-31664

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-31664 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-31664?

CVE-2023-31664 refers to a reflected cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability identified in the /authenticationendpoint/login.do endpoint of WSO2 API Manager versions earlier than 4.2.0. This vulnerability enables threat actors to execute malicious web scripts or HTML by inserting a malicious payload into the tenantDomain parameter.

The Impact of CVE-2023-31664

The impact of CVE-2023-31664 can lead to serious security breaches within organizations utilizing vulnerable versions of the WSO2 API Manager. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject and execute unauthorized scripts, potentially compromising sensitive data and user information.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-31664

In this section, the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-31664 vulnerability are discussed.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to inadequate input sanitization within the tenantDomain parameter of the /authenticationendpoint/login.do endpoint of WSO2 API Manager versions below 4.2.0, allowing malicious scripts to be executed.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of WSO2 API Manager preceding 4.2.0 are affected by CVE-2023-31664. Organizations utilizing these vulnerable versions are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors can exploit this vulnerability by injecting a specifically crafted payload into the tenantDomain parameter, which, when executed, triggers the execution of unauthorized web scripts or HTML content.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines essential steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-31664 and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should immediately upgrade their WSO2 API Manager installations to version 4.2.0 or later to address the CVE-2023-31664 vulnerability. Additionally, implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can help mitigate XSS risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security audits, code reviews, and security training for developers can enhance the overall security posture of organizations, reducing the likelihood of similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying informed about security patches released by WSO2 and promptly applying them to the API Manager environment is crucial for maintaining a secure infrastructure.