CVE-2023-47624 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Audiobookshelf Arbitrary File Read Vulnerability is a high severity issue affecting the self-hosted audiobook and podcast server, Audiobookshelf. This vulnerability allows any user to read files from the local file system, potentially leading to Information Disclosure. Read on to understand the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps related to CVE-2023-47624.

Understanding CVE-2023-47624

Audiobookshelf Arbitrary File Read Vulnerability

What is CVE-2023-47624?

The CVE-2023-47624 vulnerability affects Audiobookshelf versions 2.4.3 and earlier, enabling unauthorized users to access files from the local file system via the

/hls

endpoint, leading to potential Information Disclosure due to path traversal.

The Impact of CVE-2023-47624

This vulnerability poses a high risk as it allows any user, regardless of their permissions, to read sensitive files from the server. Information Disclosure can lead to unauthorized access to confidential data, compromising user privacy and system security.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-47624

In-depth analysis of the vulnerability

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the inadequate user permission checks in Audiobookshelf's

/hls

endpoint, facilitating unauthorized file access and potential Information Disclosure.

Affected Systems and Versions

Audiobookshelf versions up to 2.4.3 are impacted by this vulnerability, leaving them exposed to the risk of arbitrary file reads by unauthorized users.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the

/hls

endpoint, traversing the file system path to access sensitive files without proper authorization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective measures to address the CVE-2023-47624 vulnerability

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to restrict access to the

/hls

endpoint, apply strict file system permission controls, and monitor file access logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developers should implement comprehensive input validation mechanisms, perform regular security audits, and promptly release patches for identified vulnerabilities to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

The vendor, advplyr, is urged to develop and release a security patch addressing the path traversal issue in Audiobookshelf versions 2.4.3 and earlier to mitigate the risk of unauthorized file reads.