CVE-2023-5214 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified in Puppet Bolt versions prior to 3.27.4, allowing for privilege escalation. The severity of this vulnerability is rated as MEDIUM with a CVSS base score of 6.5. The affected product is Bolt by Puppet.

Understanding CVE-2023-5214

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2023-5214 and its implications.

What is CVE-2023-5214?

In Puppet Bolt versions prior to 3.27.4, a security flaw has been discovered that enables malicious actors to escalate privileges. This vulnerability falls under the category of Improper Privilege Management (CWE-269).

The Impact of CVE-2023-5214

With a base severity rating of MEDIUM, the CVE-2023-5214 vulnerability poses a threat to the integrity of affected systems. Attackers with low privileges can exploit this vulnerability to elevate their access rights, potentially leading to unauthorized actions and compromise of sensitive data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5214

This section provides detailed technical information about CVE-2023-5214.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Puppet Bolt versions prior to 3.27.4 allows for privilege escalation, enabling attackers to gain higher levels of access than intended.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted product is Puppet Bolt, specifically versions prior to 3.27.4. Systems using these versions are at risk of privilege escalation due to the identified security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability in Puppet Bolt can be exploited by threat actors with low privileges to escalate their access rights, potentially leading to unauthorized actions within the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-5214, immediate action and long-term security practices are essential.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Puppet Bolt should upgrade to version 3.27.4 or newer to address the privilege escalation vulnerability. Additionally, restricting access rights and monitoring for suspicious activities can help reduce the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a comprehensive privilege management strategy, regularly updating software, conducting security assessments, and enhancing user awareness through training are crucial long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Puppet has released version 3.27.4 as a patch to address CVE-2023-5214. It is recommended that all users of Puppet Bolt upgrade to this version promptly to prevent potential privilege escalation attacks.