CVE-2023-3361 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Red Hat OpenShift Data Science where S3 credentials are included in plain text when exporting an Elyra notebook pipeline. It was published on October 4, 2023, with a high severity rating by Red Hat.

Understanding CVE-2023-3361

This section delves into the details and impact of the CVE-2023-3361 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-3361?

The flaw in Red Hat OpenShift Data Science allows S3 credentials from the cluster to be saved in plain text when exporting a pipeline from the Elyra notebook pipeline editor. This exposes sensitive information to unauthorized actors, posing a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3361

With a high severity rating, this vulnerability can lead to the exposure of sensitive information, potentially compromising the security and confidentiality of data stored in Red Hat OpenShift Data Science.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3361

Here are specific technical details regarding CVE-2023-3361:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability involves exporting a pipeline from the Elyra notebook pipeline editor, where S3 credentials are read from the cluster and saved in plain text instead of securely storing them.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product is the Red Hat OpenShift Data Science (RHODS) with the specific package "rhods/odh-dashboard-rhel8." The version 1.28.1 is unaffected while others are impacted.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs when exporting a pipeline, causing S3 credentials to be exposed in plain text, making it accessible to unauthorized parties.

Mitigation and Prevention

Taking steps to mitigate the risk and prevent exploitation of CVE-2023-3361 is crucial for maintaining the security of systems and data.

Immediate Steps to Take

Red Hat OpenShift Data Science users should refrain from exporting pipelines until a patch or solution is implemented.
Review and secure S3 credentials to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure storage mechanisms for sensitive information.
Regularly audit and review access controls to prevent unauthorized exposure of credentials.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Red Hat for Red Hat OpenShift Data Science to address the CVE-2023-3361 vulnerability.
Apply updates promptly to ensure systems are protected against potential exploitation.