CVE-2023-5623 : Security Advisory and Response

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2023-5623, covering its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2023-5623

CVE-2023-5623 involves a vulnerability in the Nessus Network Monitor (NNM) developed by Tenable. It pertains to a privilege escalation issue that could allow a low-privileged user to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges in cases where NNM is installed in a non-standard location.

What is CVE-2023-5623?

The vulnerability in CVE-2023-5623 arises from NNM's failure to properly set Access Control Lists (ACLs) on its installation directory. This oversight creates an opportunity for unauthorized users to exploit the system and gain elevated privileges, potentially leading to severe security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5623

The impact of CVE-2023-5623 is classified as high severity, given its potential for privilege escalation and the ability for attackers to execute arbitrary code with SYSTEM privileges. With confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts all rated as high, the vulnerability poses a significant risk to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5623

The technical details of CVE-2023-5623 include:

Vulnerability Description: NNM's improper ACL configuration on its installation directory creates an avenue for privilege escalation.
Affected Systems and Versions: The vulnerability affects installations of NNM version 6.3.0 and below on the Windows platform.
Exploitation Mechanism: Attackers with low privileges can exploit this issue to execute malicious code with elevated privileges, compromising the system's security.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-5623 effectively, it is crucial to implement the following mitigation and prevention measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should apply the necessary security updates or patches provided by Tenable to address the vulnerability in NNM.
Implement access control measures and review directory permissions to restrict unauthorized access to critical system components.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit access controls and permissions on system directories to identify and mitigate potential security gaps.
Conduct security training for system administrators and users to raise awareness of privilege escalation risks and best practices for system hardening.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Tenable to promptly address any newly identified vulnerabilities in NNM.
Ensure a robust patch management process to consistently apply security updates and patches to mitigate risks effectively.