CVE-2023-48707 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-48707 article discusses a vulnerability in codeigniter4/shield that allowed cleartext storage of sensitive information, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Understanding CVE-2023-48707

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2023-48707.

What is CVE-2023-48707?

CVE-2023-48707 involves the cleartext storage of sensitive information in CodeIgniter Shield, an authentication and authorization provider for CodeIgniter 4. The vulnerability allowed the

secretKey

value, crucial for HMAC SHA256 authentication, to be stored in the database in an unencrypted form.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48707

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as malicious actors with access to the stored key could impersonate users for unauthorized actions. This could lead to potential data breaches and misuse of user identities.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48707

This section outlines the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism associated with CVE-2023-48707.

Vulnerability Description

In affected versions of CodeIgniter Shield, the

secretKey

used for HMAC SHA256 authentication was stored in the database without encryption, exposing it to potential attackers. This flaw could enable unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts CodeIgniter Shield versions prior to 1.0.0-beta.8, where the

secretKey

was stored in cleartext form, making it susceptible to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors gaining access to the unencrypted

secretKey

in the database could exploit the vulnerability to perform unauthorized operations using the compromised authentication key.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section offers guidance on immediate steps to take, long-term security practices, and the importance of patching and updates in addressing CVE-2023-48707.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to update CodeIgniter Shield to version 1.0.0-beta.8 or later to mitigate the vulnerability. Additionally, review and secure access to the database where sensitive information is stored.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, such as encryption of sensitive data at rest, regular security audits, and access control measures, to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security advisories and apply patches promptly. Stay informed about software updates and security best practices to enhance resilience against potential threats.