CVE-2023-43795 : What You Need to Know

Understanding CVE-2023-43795

GeoServer is an open-source software server written in Java that allows users to share and edit geospatial data. The vulnerability identified as WPS Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) in GeoServer poses a threat to the security of affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-43795?

The identified vulnerability, CVE-2023-43795, is categorized as Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) in GeoServer. It occurs due to the design of the OGC Web Processing Service (WPS) specification, allowing unauthorized users to process information from any server via GET and POST requests.

The Impact of CVE-2023-43795

This vulnerability has a high severity base score of 8.6, with a significant impact on confidentiality. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can manipulate server requests to access sensitive data stored on the affected GeoServer instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-43795

The vulnerability allows attackers to perform Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attacks on GeoServer instances, potentially leading to unauthorized data access and manipulation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the insecure processing of external server requests through the OGC Web Processing Service (WPS) specification, enabling attackers to forge requests and access sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: GeoServer
Affected Product: GeoServer
Vulnerable Versions:
Version < 2.22.5
Versions >= 2.23.0, < 2.23.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting the vulnerability involves crafting malicious requests to GeoServer instances, tricking the server into processing unauthorized data requests and potentially exposing sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Given the severity of the vulnerability, immediate action is required to secure GeoServer instances from SSRF attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update GeoServer to version 2.22.5 or 2.23.2, where the vulnerability has been patched.
Implement network security controls to restrict unauthorized access to GeoServer services.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit server logs for any suspicious activity indicating SSRF attempts.
Educate users on safe data processing practices and the risks associated with unauthorized requests.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from GeoServer and promptly apply patches and updates to ensure the protection of your system.