CVE-2023-3223 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE record relates to a vulnerability in undertow that allows unauthorized users to trigger an OutOfMemoryError through large multipart content, potentially leading to a remote Denial of Service (DoS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-3223

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-3223, its impact, technical aspects, affected systems and versions, as well as mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3223?

CVE-2023-3223 is a flaw in undertow where Servlets annotated with @MultipartConfig can cause an OutOfMemoryError due to large multipart content. This vulnerability can be exploited by unauthorized users to launch a remote DoS attack. Additionally, bypassing file size limits is possible if the server employs fileSizeThreshold by manipulating the file name in the request.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3223

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it can lead to remote DoS attacks, potentially disrupting services and affecting system availability. Unauthorized users exploiting this flaw could cause resource exhaustion and degrade system performance.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3223

This section provides a detailed analysis of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in undertow allows Servlets annotated with @MultipartConfig to trigger an OutOfMemoryError through large multipart content, enabling unauthorized users to launch remote DoS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 7
Version: 7.4 (for RHEL 8, RHEL 9, RHEL 7)
Product: Red Hat Single Sign-On 7
Version: 7.6 (for RHEL 7, RHEL 8, RHEL 9)

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging Servlets annotated with @MultipartConfig to upload large multipart content, leading to OutOfMemoryErrors and potential DoS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-3223, immediate steps should be taken, and long-term security practices should be implemented. Regular patching and updates are essential to address this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply relevant patches provided by Red Hat to affected systems.
Monitor system logs for any unusual activities that could indicate an exploit attempt.
Implement network-level controls to restrict access to potentially vulnerable services.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate system administrators and developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Implement a robust incident response plan to address security breaches effectively.

Patching and Updates

Refer to Red Hat's security advisories (RHSA) for CVE-2023-3223 to access patches and updates to address this vulnerability. Stay informed about new developments and ensure timely application of security fixes to protect systems from potential exploits.