CVE-2023-35852 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Suricata before 6.0.13 is susceptible to a directory traversal vulnerability that could allow an adversary controlling an external source of rules to trigger write access to a local filesystem. This CVE was published on June 19, 2023, and it is essential to understand the implications and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-35852

This section delves into the details of the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems, and the necessary steps to mitigate the risk.

What is CVE-2023-35852?

The vulnerability in Suricata before version 6.0.13 allows an attacker who controls an external rules source to exploit a dataset filename to trigger directory traversal, potentially leading to unauthorized write access on the local filesystem.

The Impact of CVE-2023-35852

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an attacker gaining unauthorized write access to sensitive files on the affected system, compromising the integrity and confidentiality of data stored on the filesystem.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-35852

To effectively mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-35852, it is crucial to understand the specific aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper handling of dataset filenames, allowing an attacker to manipulate the input to traverse directories and write to unauthorized locations on the filesystem.

Affected Systems and Versions

Suricata versions prior to 6.0.13 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations using Suricata should promptly update to version 6.0.13 to address this issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting a dataset filename originating from a rule, an attacker controlling an external rules source can chain directory traversal to achieve unauthorized write access on the local filesystem.

Mitigation and Prevention

Mitigating CVE-2023-35852 requires immediate action and the establishment of long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Suricata to version 6.0.13 to apply the necessary security patches and configurations that mandate allow-absolute-filenames and allow-write for datasets rules.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update Suricata to the latest versions to protect against known vulnerabilities and maintain robust security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Suricata's development team to promptly address any emerging vulnerabilities and apply necessary updates for enhanced security measures.