CVE-2023-36479 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Eclipse Jetty's CgiServlet component that allows for errant command quoting, potentially leading to the execution of unintended commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-36479

This section will cover what CVE-2023-36479 is, its impact, technical details, mitigation, and prevention strategies.

What is CVE-2023-36479?

The vulnerability in Eclipse Jetty's CgiServlet allows attackers to execute unintended commands due to improper neutralization of quoting syntax. Users sending requests containing certain command structures may inadvertently trigger the wrong commands to run.

The Impact of CVE-2023-36479

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low, with a CVSS base score of 3.5. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this issue over a network without requiring user interaction. However, the extent of damage is limited, affecting only integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-36479

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

Eclipse Jetty's CgiServlet mishandles command quoting, potentially executing incorrect commands when dealing with binaries containing spaces in their names. The issue stems from improper handling of the command structure, leading to unexpected command execution.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of Eclipse Jetty are affected by this vulnerability: 9.0.0 to 9.4.51, 10.0.0 to 10.0.15, 11.0.0 to 11.0.15, and <= 12.0.0-beta1. Users of these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by submitting specific command structures that trigger the mishandling of command quoting in the CgiServlet component. By crafting requests with binary names containing spaces in a particular format, malicious actors can execute unintended commands.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-36479, organizations should take immediate steps to secure their systems and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Jetty to the patched versions: 9.4.52, 10.0.16, 11.0.16, or 12.0.0-beta2 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and audit CGI Servlet requests for any suspicious or malicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software components to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Conduct security training for developers and administrators to enhance awareness of secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and patches released by Eclipse Jetty to address vulnerabilities promptly.