CVE-2023-38286 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2023-38286, a vulnerability in Thymeleaf allowing sandbox bypass. Discover the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps for enhanced security.
Thymeleaf through 3.1.1.RELEASE, as used in spring-boot-admin (aka Spring Boot Admin) through 3.1.1 and other products, allows sandbox bypass via crafted HTML. This may be relevant for SSTI (Server Side Template Injection) and code execution in spring-boot-admin if MailNotifier is enabled and there is write access to environment variables via the UI.
Understanding CVE-2023-38286
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in Thymeleaf that can lead to sandbox bypass through crafted HTML, potentially enabling SSTI and code execution in certain products.
What is CVE-2023-38286?
CVE-2023-38286 highlights a security issue in Thymeleaf, impacting products like spring-boot-admin. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to bypass security measures using specially crafted HTML.
The Impact of CVE-2023-38286
The impact of this CVE is significant as it could potentially result in SSTI and code execution if certain conditions are met. Organizations using affected products need to take immediate action to secure their systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-38286
This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE to help understand its implications.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in Thymeleaf up to version 3.1.1.RELEASE enables sandbox bypass through crafted HTML, posing a risk of SSTI and code execution in products such as spring-boot-admin.
Affected Systems and Versions
The issue affects spring-boot-admin versions up to 3.1.1 and potentially other products using Thymeleaf up to version 3.1.1.RELEASE.
Exploitation Mechanism
Exploiting this vulnerability involves utilizing crafted HTML to bypass security mechanisms and potentially execute malicious code within the affected systems.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard against CVE-2023-38286, immediate actions must be taken to mitigate the risks posed by the vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
Organizations should disable MailNotifier if enabled and restrict write access to environment variables via the user interface as a precautionary measure.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities can help prevent similar incidents.
Patching and Updates
Users are advised to update to patched versions of affected products and follow recommended security guidelines to ensure their systems are secure.