CVE-2023-38316 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in OpenNDS Captive Portal before version 10.1.2 where attackers can execute arbitrary OS commands by inserting them into the URL portion of HTTP GET requests.

Understanding CVE-2023-38316

This CVE refers to a vulnerability in OpenNDS Captive Portal that allows attackers to run OS commands via HTTP GET requests.

What is CVE-2023-38316?

CVE-2023-38316 is a security flaw in OpenNDS Captive Portal that enables the execution of arbitrary operating system commands by leveraging the custom unescape callback feature.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38316

The exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized execution of commands on the target system, potentially resulting in data breaches, system compromise, and total control by attackers.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38316

This section covers the specific technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to inadequate input validation, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute commands in the URL section of HTTP GET requests.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of OpenNDS Captive Portal before 10.1.2 are affected by this vulnerability regardless of the vendor or specific product.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this issue by enabling the custom unescape callback and inserting malicious OS commands into the URL component of HTTP GET requests.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to address and prevent the CVE-2023-38316 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update OpenNDS Captive Portal to version 10.1.2 or later to mitigate the risk of command execution via HTTP requests.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation mechanisms and regularly update software to prevent similar security issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities.