CVE-2023-34149 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2023-34149 affecting Apache Struts versions up to 2.5.30 and 6.1.2, leading to DoS via OOM due to list bounds vulnerability. Find out mitigation steps.
Apache Struts: DoS via OOM owing to not properly checking of list bounds
Understanding CVE-2023-34149
What is CVE-2023-34149?
A vulnerability labeled as CVE-2023-34149 has been discovered in Apache Struts, specifically affecting versions up to 2.5.30 and 6.1.2. This vulnerability, known as 'Allocation of Resources Without Limits or Throttling,' can lead to a Denial of Service (DoS) attack due to the lack of proper checking of list bounds.
The Impact of CVE-2023-34149
The impact of CVE-2023-34149 is rated as MEDIUM severity with a CVSS base score of 4.3. Although the attack complexity is low and no privileges are required, it can result in a DoS situation under specific network conditions. The confidentiality and integrity of the affected system remain unaffected.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-34149
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an attacker to exploit Apache Struts, leading to a Denial of Service condition by causing an Out-of-Memory (OOM) situation. This is a critical issue that requires immediate attention to prevent service disruption.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Apache Struts versions up to 2.5.30 and 6.1.2. Users of these versions are advised to upgrade to Struts 2.5.31 or 6.1.2.1 or later to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploitation of this vulnerability involves an attacker leveraging the lack of proper list bound checking in Apache Struts to trigger a DoS condition, potentially leading to service unavailability.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To address CVE-2023-34149, organizations using affected versions of Apache Struts must upgrade to Struts 2.5.31 or 6.1.2.1 or newer versions. It is crucial to prioritize this update to prevent potential DoS attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
In the long term, organizations should emphasize the importance of regularly updating software components to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Additionally, implementing network security measures can help detect and mitigate potential DoS attacks.
Patching and Updates
Vendors release patches and updates to address identified vulnerabilities. Organizations are encouraged to stay informed about security advisories from Apache Software Foundation and apply patches promptly to secure their systems against CVE-2023-34149.