CVE-2023-50963 : Security Advisory and Response

A detailed overview of the IBM Storage Defender vulnerability related to HTTP HOST header injection.

Understanding CVE-2023-50963

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-50963.

What is CVE-2023-50963?

The vulnerability is identified in IBM Storage Defender - Data Protect versions 1.0.0 through 1.4.1, making them susceptible to HTTP header injection due to improper validation of HOST headers. This flaw could be exploited by attackers for various malicious activities like cross-site scripting, cache poisoning, or session hijacking.

The Impact of CVE-2023-50963

The CVSS v3.1 score of 6.5 (Medium severity) signifies that the vulnerability has a low attack complexity and does not require any user interaction. While the confidentiality and integrity impacts are low, the exploit can lead to unauthorized access and compromise of systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-50963

Here are the key technical aspects of the CVE-2023-50963 vulnerability:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from the inadequate input validation of HOST headers, allowing attackers to manipulate headers for malicious activities.

Affected Systems and Versions

IBM Storage Defender - Data Protect versions 1.0.0 through 1.4.1 are affected by this vulnerability, leaving them open to exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the HTTP header injection vulnerability to execute cross-site scripting, cache poisoning, or session hijacking attacks on the vulnerable systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-50963, follow these security measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update IBM Storage Defender - Data Protect to a secure version that addresses the HTTP header injection flaw.
Implement network-level protections to detect and block malicious traffic targeting HOST headers.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and code reviews to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
Educate developers and administrators about secure coding practices and input validation techniques.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by IBM for Storage Defender products. Promptly apply relevant patches to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities.