CVE-2023-37579 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache Pulsar Function Worker is susceptible to an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that could allow any authenticated user to retrieve source or sink configurations without proper authorization. This could potentially lead to leaked credentials. The vulnerability affects versions before 2.10.4 and 2.11.0, requiring affected users to upgrade to the patched versions. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-37579

Apache Pulsar Function Worker is affected by an Incorrect Authorization vulnerability that poses a risk to the confidentiality and integrity of source and sink configurations.

What is CVE-2023-37579?

The vulnerability allows authenticated users to access source and sink configurations without proper authorization, potentially leading to credential leaks. This could result in security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2023-37579

The severity of this vulnerability is rated as HIGH based on the CVSS v3.1 score of 8.2. Attack complexity is considered high, with low privileges required for exploitation. While availability impact is none, the confidentiality and integrity impact are both high.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-37579

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Apache Pulsar Function Worker allows any authenticated user to retrieve source or sink configurations without proper authorization, potentially exposing sensitive credentials.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Pulsar Function Worker versions before 2.10.4
Apache Pulsar Function Worker version 2.11.0
Users of Pulsar Function Worker 3.0 are unaffected
Users running versions 2.9.* and earlier should upgrade to the patched versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Any authenticated user can exploit the vulnerability to access source or sink configurations containing credentials without proper authorization. While there is no known method for enumerating other tenant's sources or sinks, the risk of leaked credentials remains.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Apache Pulsar Function Worker should upgrade to the following patched versions:

Version 2.10 Pulsar Function Worker should upgrade to at least 2.10.4
Version 2.11 Pulsar Function Worker should upgrade to at least 2.11.1
Users running versions 2.9.* and earlier should upgrade to the above patched versions

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security, users are advised to implement strict access controls and regularly review and update their configurations to prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates from Apache Software Foundation and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.