CVE-2023-4491 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record, assigned by INCIBE, was published on October 4, 2023. It describes a buffer overflow vulnerability in the Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6. The vulnerability could potentially allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the remote machine by sending a very long username string via a POST request to "/searchbook.ghp".

Understanding CVE-2023-4491

The CVE-2023-4491 details a critical buffer overflow vulnerability in the Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution.

What is CVE-2023-4491?

CVE-2023-4491 refers to a buffer overflow vulnerability in Easy Address Book Web Server 1.6, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system by exploiting a specific endpoint.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4491

The exploitation of this vulnerability could have severe consequences, allowing threat actors to compromise the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4491

This section provides a deeper insight into the vulnerability, its affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The buffer overflow vulnerability in Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6 allows attackers to execute arbitrary code on the target system by sending a specially crafted username string via a POST request to a particular endpoint.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6, potentially exposing systems running this specific version to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending an excessively long username string to "/searchbook.ghp" via a POST request, attackers can trigger the buffer overflow vulnerability, leading to arbitrary code execution on the remote machine.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-4491 is crucial for ensuring the security of systems and networks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6 should consider temporarily disabling exposed endpoints or implementing network-level protections.
Regularly monitor for any unusual activity on the "/searchbook.ghp" endpoint.
Consider restricting access to vulnerable endpoints until a patch or workaround is applied.

Long-Term Security Practices

Employ robust input validation mechanisms to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities.
Regularly update software and firmware to patch known vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct routine security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential vulnerabilities in a timely manner.

Patching and Updates

Vendors should release patches or updates to address the buffer overflow vulnerability in Easy Address Book Web Server version 1.6. It is essential for users to implement these patches as soon as they become available to mitigate the risk of exploitation.