CVE-2023-38488 : Security Advisory and Response

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-38488, a vulnerability in Kirby that allows field injections in the KirbyData text storage handler.

Understanding CVE-2023-38488

This section delves into the specifics of the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2023-38488?

Kirby, a content management system, faced a vulnerability in versions prior to 3.5.8.3, 3.6.6.3, 3.7.5.2, 3.8.4.1, and 3.9.6, affecting sites that allow attackers in authenticated user groups or external visitors to update content files. The issue arises from a field injection in the KirbyData format.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38488

A field injection vulnerability can lead to the alteration of site content, disruptions in site behavior, and the injection of malicious data or code. Attackers could overwrite content fields unintended for modification, depending on the field type and usage.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38488

Explore the vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanisms.

Vulnerability Description

Kirby's text storage handler vulnerability emerged from an improper handling of field separators, enabling attackers to manipulate field data in content files. Risk depends on field type and usage, affecting fields above the user-writable field in the content file.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions below 3.5.8.3, 3.6.6.3, 3.7.5.2, 3.8.4.1, and 3.9.6 of Kirby are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By including a Unicode BOM sequence in a field separator, attackers could inject data in content files, exploiting the flawed escaping mechanism.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about immediate actions to take and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Kirby to version 3.5.8.3, 3.6.6.3, 3.7.5.2, 3.8.4.1, or 3.9.6 to mitigate the vulnerability. Review and restrict write access for untrusted users or visitors.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Kirby to the latest version, enforce secure coding practices, and monitor for unauthorized content modifications.

Patching and Updates

Maintainers have patched Kirby in versions 3.5.8.3, 3.6.6.3, 3.7.5.2, 3.8.4.1, and 3.9.6 to address the vulnerability. The fix involves correct handling of Unicode BOM sequences to prevent content file injections.