CVE-2023-32076 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-32076, a vulnerability in the in-toto framework that allows for configuration reading from a local directory.

Understanding CVE-2023-32076

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-32076 affecting the in-toto framework.

What is CVE-2023-32076?

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-32076 allows for configuration reading from a local directory in the in-toto framework, potentially impacting the integrity of the supply chain.

The Impact of CVE-2023-32076

The vulnerability poses a medium severity risk with a CVSS base score of 5.5, allowing an attacker to control system configurations and settings externally.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-32076

This section outlines the technical aspects of CVE-2023-32076.

Vulnerability Description

In versions 1.4.0 and prior, the in-toto framework reads configurations from directories including the

.in_totorc

file, enabling attackers to manipulate supply chain steps and mask their activities.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects in-toto version <= 1.4.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers leveraging this vulnerability can exploit the

.in_totorc

file to bypass security measures and potentially compromise the supply chain integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here are some strategies to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-32076.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to a patched version of in-toto that drops support for

.in_totorc

and the

user_settings

module.
Implement sandboxing of functionary code to enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Avoid using

.in_totorc

for configuration and opt for API parameters or CLI arguments for settings.

Patching and Updates

Stay updated on security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.