CVE-2023-4659 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE-2023-4659 relates to a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability found in Free5Gc, impacting version 1.1.1. The vulnerability was discovered by Edgar Carrillo Egea and reported by INCIBE. It was published on October 2, 2023, with a CVSS base score of 9.8, categorizing it as critical.

Understanding CVE-2023-4659

This section will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2023-4659 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-4659?

CVE-2023-4659 is a Cross-Site Request Forgery vulnerability in Free5Gc that allows attackers to execute various actions on the platform as an admin by manipulating the token value or performing requests without a token. This vulnerability enables unauthorized users to create, delete, and modify users within the application.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4659

The exploitation of this vulnerability can have severe consequences, including a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can perform unauthorized actions with elevated privileges, potentially leading to data breaches and system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4659

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-4659 in more detail:

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-4659 vulnerability in Free5Gc allows attackers to carry out actions on the platform as an administrator by manipulating the token value or making requests without a token, enabling unauthorized users to alter user accounts.

Affected Systems and Versions

The specific version affected by this vulnerability is Free5Gc version 1.1.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2023-4659 by manipulating the token value to 'admin' or by executing POST, GET, and DELETE requests without requiring a token, giving them unauthorized access to administrative functionalities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting your systems from CVE-2023-4659 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices to mitigate risks effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of Free5Gc where the vulnerability has been fixed.
Implement strict access controls and authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Monitor and audit user activities to detect any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Provide security awareness training to users to recognize and report suspicious activities.
Follow secure coding practices and implement CSRF protection mechanisms to prevent similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely application of security patches and updates provided by the software vendor to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.

By understanding the impact, technical details, and necessary mitigation steps of CVE-2023-4659, organizations can bolster their security posture and protect their systems from potential exploitation.