CVE-2023-6021 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on November 16, 2023, and affects the "ray-project/ray" container. It involves a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in Ray's log API endpoint, allowing attackers to read any file on the server without authentication. The issue has been fixed in version 2.8.1 or later.

Understanding CVE-2023-6021

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-6021, discussing the vulnerability's impact, technical aspects, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-6021?

CVE-2023-6021 refers to an LFI vulnerability in Ray's log API endpoint, enabling unauthorized individuals to access and read files on the server without proper authentication. This flaw poses a significant risk to the confidentiality of sensitive information stored on the server.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6021

The impact of CVE-2023-6021 is rated as high, with a CVSS v3.1 base score of 7.5. The confidentiality of data is highly impacted, while the integrity remains unaffected. This vulnerability does not require any privileges for exploitation and has a low attack complexity.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6021

In this section, we explore the specific technical details related to CVE-2023-6021, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Ray's log API endpoint allows attackers to perform a Local File Inclusion attack, granting them unauthorized access to sensitive files on the server without needing proper authentication. The issue has been addressed in version 2.8.1 or higher.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts the "ray-project/ray" container, specifically versions prior to 2.8.1. Systems running affected versions are at risk of exploitation through the log API endpoint.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting requests to the log API endpoint with malicious input, allowing them to traverse directories and access files outside of the intended scope.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section focuses on the steps that can be taken to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-6021 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update the affected Ray container to version 2.8.1 or later to mitigate the LFI vulnerability. Regular monitoring of server logs and file access can also help detect any unauthorized activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, input validation mechanisms, and access controls can enhance overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in the future.

Patching and Updates

Staying vigilant about security updates and patches released by the vendor is crucial to ensure that known vulnerabilities are promptly addressed. Regularly updating software components to their latest secure versions is essential for maintaining a secure environment.