CVE-2023-5965 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-5965 affects EspoCRM, a popular customer relationship management platform. The vulnerability was discovered by Pedro José Navas Pérez and was published by INCIBE on November 30, 2023. The exploit allows an authenticated privileged attacker to upload a specially crafted zip file to the EspoCRM server running version 7.2.5. This could potentially lead to arbitrary PHP code execution, posing a critical risk to the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected system.

Understanding CVE-2023-5965

This section will delve into the specifics of CVE-2023-5965, focusing on the vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-5965?

The vulnerability in EspoCRM version 7.2.5 allows an authenticated privileged attacker to upload a malicious zip file via the update form, potentially leading to arbitrary PHP code execution. This can result in severe consequences for the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-5965

With a CVSS base score of 9.1 (Critical), this vulnerability has a high impact on the affected system. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system are at high risk, making it imperative to address this issue promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-5965

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-5965, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability, classified under CWE-434 (Unrestricted Upload of File with Dangerous Type), allows an attacker to upload a specially crafted zip file, which could lead to arbitrary PHP code execution on the EspoCRM server.

Affected Systems and Versions

EspoCRM version 7.2.5 is specifically affected by this vulnerability. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation by authenticated privileged attackers.

Exploitation Mechanism

An authenticated privileged attacker can exploit this vulnerability by uploading a malicious zip file to the EspoCRM server through the update form, potentially executing arbitrary PHP code.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard your system from CVE-2023-5965 and similar threats, it is crucial to implement effective mitigation and prevention measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users with administrator profiles should exercise caution when loading extensions and updates.
Enable the "restrictedMode" option in the configuration menu to limit the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch your EspoCRM installation to ensure you have the latest security fixes.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by EspoCRM. Promptly apply these updates to protect your system from known vulnerabilities, including CVE-2023-5965.