CVE-2023-5072 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a Denial of Service vulnerability in JSON-Java versions up to and including 20230618. The bug in the parser can result in a substantial amount of memory being consumed by a relatively small input string. It has a CVSS base score of 7.5, indicating a high severity level.

Understanding CVE-2023-5072

This section will provide insight into the nature of CVE-2023-5072 and its potential impact on systems running affected JSON-Java versions.

What is CVE-2023-5072?

CVE-2023-5072 refers to a Denial of Service vulnerability in JSON-Java versions up to and including 20230618. Due to a bug in the parser, an input string of modest size can lead to a significant increase in memory consumption, potentially resulting in system instability or crashes.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5072

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as "CAPEC-197 Exponential Data Expansion," highlighting the potential for an attacker to exploit the issue and cause a denial of service by consuming excessive system resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5072

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including how it can be exploited and which systems and versions are affected.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a flaw in the JSON-Java parser, allowing an attacker to craft a malicious input string that triggers excessive memory usage, leading to a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

JSON-Java versions up to and including 20230618 are susceptible to this denial of service vulnerability, making systems running these versions potentially at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

By sending a specially crafted input string to the JSON-Java parser, an attacker can leverage the bug to cause the system to consume disproportionate amounts of memory, ultimately hindering the availability of services.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-5072, it is crucial to implement appropriate mitigation measures and security best practices to reduce the risk of exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update JSON-Java to a non-vulnerable version, if available.
Implement network-level controls to filter out potentially malicious input strings.
Monitor system resources for any signs of abnormal memory consumption.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components and libraries to patch known vulnerabilities.
Conduct routine security assessments to identify and address potential weaknesses in the system.
Educate developers and users on secure coding practices to mitigate risks associated with software vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users and administrators are advised to apply patches or updates provided by the JSON-Java project to address the denial of service vulnerability and enhance system security. Regularly checking for security advisories from the project can help stay informed about any upcoming patches or fixes.