CVE-2023-38702 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Knowage Server vulnerable to path traversal via upload functionality

Understanding CVE-2023-38702

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in Knowage-Server versions prior to 8.1.8 that allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server through a path traversal exploit.

What is CVE-2023-38702?

Knowage, an open-source analytics and business intelligence suite, contains a flaw in the endpoint

/knowage/restful-services/dossier/importTemplateFile

that permits authenticated users to upload files without proper authorization. An attacker can leverage this to upload a JSP file and gain code execution on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-38702

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized code execution by attackers with low privileges. It poses a critical risk to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-38702

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Knowage-Server versions prior to 8.1.8 allows for the unauthorized upload of JSP files, enabling attackers to achieve code execution on the server through the

/knowageqbeengine/foo.jsp

endpoint.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: KnowageLabs Product: Knowage-Server Affected Versions: >= 6.0.0, < 8.1.8

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can abuse the upload functionality to place malicious JSP files in the

knowageqbeengine

directory, leading to unauthorized code execution on the server.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are urged to update to Knowage version 8.1.8 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized code execution. Implement strict access controls and regularly monitor server activity to detect any suspicious uploads.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ strict file upload validation mechanisms, enforce proper authorization checks, and conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates provided by KnowageLabs to ensure that the software is protected against known vulnerabilities.