CVE-2023-4196 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE details a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability stored in the GitHub repository cockpit-hq/cockpit prior to version 2.6.3. It was published on August 6, 2023, by @huntrdev.

Understanding CVE-2023-4196

This section will provide insights into what CVE-2023-4196 is about, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-4196?

CVE-2023-4196 is a Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in the cockpit-hq/cockpit GitHub repository before version 2.6.3. This type of vulnerability can allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, potentially compromising their data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4196

The impact of this CVE is rated as HIGH, with a base score of 8.3. It can lead to confidentiality and integrity violations as well as low availability impact. The vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute scripts in the context of the victim's browser, posing a risk to sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4196

In this section, we will delve into the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

CVE-2023-4196 is categorized under CWE-79, which relates to the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically Cross-site Scripting (XSS). This flaw enables attackers to inject and execute scripts in web applications.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected vendor is cockpit-hq with the product cockpit-hq/cockpit. Versions prior to 2.6.3 are impacted by this XSS vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into web pages from the cockpit-hq/cockpit GitHub repository, gaining unauthorized access or manipulating user data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-4196, immediate steps should be taken, alongside implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their cockpit-hq/cockpit installations to version 2.6.3 or later to remediate the XSS vulnerability. Additionally, employing input validation and output encoding techniques can help prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating developers on secure web development can enhance overall security posture and mitigate future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security updates from vendors and promptly applying patches is crucial to protect systems from known vulnerabilities. Stay informed about security advisories and follow best practices to secure web applications effectively.