CVE-2023-3629 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published by Red Hat on December 18, 2023, and it involves a moderate severity vulnerability related to non-admin users being able to access cache configuration information using a REST API. The vulnerability was reported to Red Hat on June 27, 2023, and made public on September 21, 2023. The flaw affects Infinispan's REST, where cache retrieval endpoints do not properly enforce admin permissions, potentially allowing authenticated users to access unauthorized information.

Understanding CVE-2023-3629

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-3629, providing insights into the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-3629?

CVE-2023-3629 is a vulnerability in Infinispan's REST service, where non-admin users can exploit the cache retrieval endpoints to access information beyond their authorized permissions. This could lead to a breach of confidentiality as users can view sensitive data they are not supposed to access.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3629

The impact of this vulnerability is considered moderate, as it allows authenticated users to bypass authorization restrictions and potentially view unauthorized information. While the integrity of the system is not directly compromised, the confidentiality of sensitive data is at risk.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3629

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3629, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from insufficient validation of admin permissions in Infinispan's REST service, leading to non-admin users being able to retrieve cache configuration information using the API. This oversight undermines the security measures intended to restrict access to sensitive data.

Affected Systems and Versions

Infinispan: All versions
Red Hat Data Grid 8.4.4: Affected
Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6: Status unknown

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated non-admin user can exploit this vulnerability by sending unauthorized requests to the cache retrieval endpoints in Infinispan's REST service, circumventing the intended access controls and gaining access to cache configuration details.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-3629 and prevent exploitation, organizations and users should take immediate steps, implement long-term security practices, and apply relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Restrict access to the affected endpoints for non-admin users.
Monitor and audit API requests to detect any unauthorized access attempts.
Communicate the vulnerability to relevant stakeholders and emphasize the importance of data confidentiality.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper role-based access control mechanisms to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information.
Regularly update and patch software components to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen overall security posture.
Conduct security training for developers and administrators to enhance awareness of secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Red Hat Data Grid 8.4.4: Check for patches and updates from Red Hat to address the vulnerability.
Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform 6: Stay informed about the status of the vulnerability and apply patches once available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.