CVE-2023-38647 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Learn about Apache Helix CVE-2023-38647 involving critical deserialization flaw leading to remote code execution. Mitigation steps and version update details included.
Apache Helix: Deserialization vulnerability in Helix workflow and REST
Understanding CVE-2023-38647
This CVE involves a deserialization vulnerability in Apache Helix that can be exploited by an attacker to execute remote code and affect systems running various versions of the Helix software.
What is CVE-2023-38647?
An attacker can leverage SnakeYAML to deserialize java.net.URLClassLoader and load a JAR from a specified URL, followed by deserializing javax.script.ScriptEngineManager to execute code using that ClassLoader. This unbounded deserialization poses a high risk of remote code execution, particularly targeting the Helix REST start and Workflow creation.
Affecting all versions lower than and up to 1.2.0, the vulnerability impacts products like helix-core and helix-rest.
The Impact of CVE-2023-38647
The severity of this vulnerability is categorized as 'important' and falls under CWE-502: Deserialization of Untrusted Data. The unchecked deserialization process can lead to significant security breaches and unauthorized code execution within Apache Helix environments.
Technical Details of CVE-2023-38647
Vulnerability Description
The deserialization flaw allows attackers to execute malicious code through SnakeYAML and javax.script.ScriptEngineManager, potentially resulting in remote code execution.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects Apache Helix versions lower than and including 1.2.0, impacting products such as helix-core and helix-rest.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can target the Helix REST start and Workflow creation processes, leveraging the deserialization vulnerability to execute unauthorized code.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-38647, users are advised to refrain from using YAML-based configurations and workflow creation in the short term. Additionally, it is recommended to upgrade all Helix versions to 1.3.0 or higher for long-term security enhancement.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing security best practices, such as regular security audits, code reviews, and maintaining up-to-date software versions, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.
Patching and Updates
Users should promptly apply patches and updates released by Apache Software Foundation to address the deserialization vulnerability in Apache Helix.