CVE-2023-32689 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Parse Server vulnerable to phishing attack vulnerability that involves uploading malicious HTML file.

Understanding CVE-2023-32689

Parse Server versions prior to 5.4.4 and 6.1.1 are vulnerable to a phishing attack that allows malicious file uploads, potentially leading to phishing attacks and session token theft.

What is CVE-2023-32689?

Parse Server, an open-source backend deployable on Node.js infrastructure, is susceptible to a phishing attack where users can upload malicious HTML files. Attackers can then exploit these files for phishing activities, making them appear legitimate under the domain where Parse Server is hosted.

The Impact of CVE-2023-32689

The vulnerability allows an attacker to upload malicious HTML files, potentially leading to phishing attacks and the theft of user session tokens when the Parse JavaScript SDK is used. This can compromise user data and lead to unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-32689

Parse Server versions < 5.4.4 and >= 6.0.0, < 6.1.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Malicious users can upload HTML files to Parse Server, enabling phishing attacks and potential session token theft through the Parse JavaScript SDK.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: parse-community
Product: parse-server
Vulnerable Versions: < 5.4.4, >= 6.0.0, < 6.1.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can upload malicious HTML files to Parse Server via its public API, facilitating phishing activities and unauthorized access to user session tokens stored in local storage.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to secure Parse Server deployments and implement long-term security practices to prevent such vulnerabilities.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Parse Server to versions 5.4.4 or 6.1.1 that include a new option to restrict file uploads based on file extensions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Parse Server to the latest versions to address security issues and implement secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply the security patches provided in Parse Server versions 5.4.4 and 6.1.1 to mitigate the phishing attack vulnerability by restricting file uploads based on file extensions.