CVE-2023-3368 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE, assigned by STAR_Labs, pertains to a vulnerability in Chamilo LMS version 1.11.20 and below, allowing unauthenticated attackers to execute remote code through command injection.

Understanding CVE-2023-3368

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Chamilo LMS that enables unauthorized individuals to execute remote code by exploiting a command injection vulnerability present in versions 1.11.20 and earlier.

What is CVE-2023-3368?

The CVE-2023-3368 vulnerability in Chamilo LMS involves an unauthenticated command injection issue in the

/main/webservices/additional_webservices.php

endpoint. Attackers can leverage improper handling of special characters to achieve remote code execution, bypassing security measures.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3368

The impact of CVE-2023-3368 is critical, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. This vulnerability has a high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact, making it a severe threat to affected systems. The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to serious security breaches and compromise sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3368

The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection'). Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely without the need for any special privileges, highlighting the critical nature of the issue.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to execute remote code by injecting malicious commands into the specified endpoint, circumventing security measures and potentially gaining control over the affected system.

Affected Systems and Versions

Chamilo LMS versions up to and including 1.11.20 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing systems running these versions to the risk of remote code execution by malicious actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by inserting specially crafted commands into the

/main/webservices/additional_webservices.php

endpoint, triggering remote code execution due to inadequate validation of input, thus compromising system security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-3368, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial for safeguarding systems from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the latest patches released by Chamilo LMS to address the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized remote code execution.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activity that may indicate exploitation attempts.
Implement strict input validation and sanitization mechanisms to thwart command injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators about secure coding practices and the importance of applying security updates promptly.
Utilize web application firewalls (WAFs) and intrusion detection systems (IDS) to enhance threat detection and prevention capabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all Chamilo LMS instances are updated to the patched versions provided by the vendor:

Patch 1: Link to Patch 1
Patch 2: Link to Patch 2

By following these recommendations and applying necessary security measures, organizations can effectively mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-3368 and protect their systems from potential exploitation.