CVE-2023-3384 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-3384 pertains to a stored cross-site scripting vulnerability in the Quay registry, impacting the Red Hat Quay 3 product. The vulnerability was reported on June 23, 2023, and was made public on June 20, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-3384

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-3384.

What is CVE-2023-3384?

The flaw identified in the Quay registry allows an attacker to upload a malicious image to a public registry containing a script that can be executed via cross-site scripting (XSS). While image labels created through Quay undergo validation, the same validation process is not applied when the label originates from an image, making it vulnerable to XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3384

This vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to execute scripts within the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to data theft, session hijacking, or website defacement. As the severity rating indicates, the impact is classified as moderate, highlighting the need for timely mitigation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3384

Here, we provide a detailed overview of the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3384.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a lack of validation of image labels sourced from Quay, allowing attackers to inject and execute malicious scripts through cross-site scripting, posing a risk to affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the "Red Hat Quay 3" product specifically, within the context of the Quay registry. Systems with the vulnerable version are at risk of exploitation unless proper security measures are implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

By uploading a tainted image to the public registry, an attacker can bypass validation checks and introduce a script that can be triggered via cross-site scripting, compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-3384.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the affected systems to the latest patched versions provided by Red Hat to eliminate the vulnerability.
Implement web application firewalls (WAFs) and security plugins to detect and block XSS attacks at the application level.
Regularly monitor and audit the registry for unauthorized or malicious images to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent common web vulnerabilities like XSS.
Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential security gaps in the system.
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by vendors to proactively secure the infrastructure.

Patching and Updates

Refer to Red Hat's security advisories and official resources for detailed information on patching procedures and updated versions addressing CVE-2023-3384. Regularly apply security patches to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities.