CVE-2023-41891 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

FlyteAdmin SQL Injection in List Filters

Understanding CVE-2023-41891

FlyteAdmin is the control plane for Flyte responsible for managing entities and administering workflow executions. Prior to version 1.1.124, list endpoints on FlyteAdmin have a SQL vulnerability where a malicious user can send a REST request with custom SQL statements as list filters. The attacker needs to have access to the FlyteAdmin installation, typically either behind a VPN or authentication. Version 1.1.124 contains a patch for this issue.

What is CVE-2023-41891?

CVE-2023-41891, also known as FlyteAdmin SQL Injection in List Filters, is a vulnerability identified in the FlyteAdmin platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 1.1.124. It allows a malicious user to exploit a SQL injection vulnerability via list filters, potentially compromising the security of the system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-41891

The impact of CVE-2023-41891 is significant as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary SQL commands through list filters in FlyteAdmin, leading to data manipulation, unauthorized access, and potentially a complete system compromise. The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in severe security breaches and data leaks.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-41891

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-41891 involves an SQL injection vulnerability in the list endpoints of FlyteAdmin, allowing malicious actors to input custom SQL statements as list filters. This could lead to unauthorized data retrieval, modification, or deletion.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects FlyteAdmin versions prior to 1.1.124. Systems running these versions are at risk of exploitation if exposed to attackers attempting SQL injection attacks through list filters.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit CVE-2023-41891 by sending specially crafted REST requests containing SQL statements disguised as list filters. By manipulating the input parameters, malicious users can execute arbitrary SQL commands within the FlyteAdmin system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-41891, it is crucial to update FlyteAdmin to version 1.1.124 or newer, which includes a patch for the SQL injection vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access to the FlyteAdmin installation and implementing proper authentication mechanisms can reduce the likelihood of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations should prioritize regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and address potential vulnerabilities proactively. Training developers and administrators on secure coding practices and conducting penetration testing can strengthen the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly installing security patches and updates provided by FlyteAdmin is essential to ensure that known vulnerabilities are remediated promptly. Keeping the software up to date with the latest security fixes and following best practices for secure configuration can help prevent future exploitation of system weaknesses.