CVE-2023-4853 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-4853 involves a vulnerability in Quarkus where HTTP security policies are not correctly sanitizing certain character permutations when processing requests. This flaw could lead to an improper evaluation of permissions, potentially enabling an attacker to bypass security policies, gain unauthorized access to endpoints, and potentially launch a denial of service attack.

Understanding CVE-2023-4853

This section delves deeper into the details surrounding CVE-2023-4853.

What is CVE-2023-4853?

The vulnerability in Quarkus allows attackers to circumvent HTTP security policies by exploiting a flaw in the handling of certain character permutations, leading to unauthorized access to endpoints and a potential denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4853

Exploiting this vulnerability may enable threat actors to bypass security controls, gain unauthorized access to sensitive endpoints, and potentially disrupt services, posing a significant risk to affected systems and organizations.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4853

Here are the technical aspects related to CVE-2023-4853:

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Quarkus arises from the incorrect handling of specific character permutations within HTTP security policies, allowing attackers to exploit this weakness and bypass security controls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Quarkus
Affected Versions:
Version 2.16.11.Final
Version 3.2.6.Final
Version 3.3.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting requests with malicious character permutations to manipulate the security policy evaluation process and gain unauthorized access to the affected endpoints.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding the mitigation strategies and preventive measures is crucial to safeguarding systems and mitigating the risks associated with CVE-2023-4853.

Immediate Steps to Take

Implementing a 'deny' wildcard for base paths and authenticating specifics within that can help mitigate the risk.
Ensure proper path-based HTTP policy configuration to prevent exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Quarkus to the latest patched versions to address vulnerabilities promptly.
Conduct security audits and code reviews to identify and address any potential security weaknesses in the application.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Red Hat and apply patches promptly to secure the Quarkus environment.
Monitor for any future updates or security alerts related to CVE-2023-4853 to stay protected against potential threats.