CVE-2023-46749 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Apache Shiro before versions 1.13.0 or 2.0.0-alpha-4 is vulnerable to a path traversal attack leading to authentication bypass when combined with path rewriting.

Understanding CVE-2023-46749

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-46749, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-46749?

CVE-2023-46749 involves Apache Shiro before version 1.13.0 or 2.0.0-alpha-4, allowing threat actors to perform a path traversal attack, potentially leading to authentication bypass when used alongside path rewriting techniques.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46749

The vulnerability poses a low severity risk, but if exploited, it can result in unauthorized access to sensitive information or functionalities protected by Apache Shiro's authentication mechanisms.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46749

This section outlines specific technical details related to the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

Under certain conditions, Apache Shiro versions prior to 1.13.0 or 2.0.0-alpha-4 may allow attackers to manipulate file paths to access unauthorized directories, bypassing authentication controls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Apache Shiro versions 0 to 1.13.0 and 2.0.0-alpha-1 to 2.0.0-alpha-4 are susceptible to this path traversal vulnerability, making systems using these versions at risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the path traversal vulnerability in Apache Shiro, threat actors can craft malicious requests that navigate beyond intended directories, tricking the system into granting unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your systems against CVE-2023-46749, it is crucial to implement immediate and long-term security measures to mitigate the risk effectively.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Apache Shiro to version 1.13.0 or higher, or 2.0.0-alpha-4 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Ensure

blockSemicolon

is enabled as a default security measure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update Apache Shiro and other software components to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement strong access controls, validate user input, and restrict file access permissions to prevent path traversal attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Apache Software Foundation and promptly apply patches and updates to secure your systems against known vulnerabilities.