CVE-2023-50708 : Security Advisory and Response

The CVE-2023-50708 involves a vulnerability in yii2-authclient that could lead to a possible timing attack in OAuth1, OAuth2, and OpenID Connect implementation.

Understanding CVE-2023-50708

This section will provide insights into the nature and impact of CVE-2023-50708.

What is CVE-2023-50708?

yii2-authclient is an extension that enhances the Yii framework 2.0 with OpenID, OAuth, OAuth2, and OpenID Connect consumers. Prior to version 2.2.15, yii2-authclient is susceptible to a timing attack due to insecure string comparison in OAuth1/2

state

and OpenID Connect

nonce

parameters.

The Impact of CVE-2023-50708

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to exploit the timing discrepancy in string comparison, potentially leading to unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-50708

This section covers the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-50708 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

In yii2-authclient versions before 2.2.15, the insecure string comparison mechanism in OAuth1/2

state

and OpenID Connect

nonce

parameters exposes the application to timing attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: yiisoft
Product: yii2-authclient
Affected Versions: < 2.2.15

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability stems from using regular string comparison instead of a secure comparison method like

Yii::$app->getSecurity()->compareString()

, enabling attackers to exploit the timing differences.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover how you can mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-50708.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update yii2-authclient to version 2.2.15 or newer, as it contains a patch for the timing attack issue. Additionally, implementing secure coding practices is crucial in preventing such vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance the overall security posture of the application, developers should prioritize secure coding practices, regular security audits, and staying informed about patch releases and updates.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security advisories and apply patches promptly to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.