CVE-2023-6071 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-6071 was published on November 30, 2023, by Trellix. It involves an "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements" vulnerability in the Trellix ESM platform before version 11.6.9. The vulnerability allows a remote administrator to execute arbitrary code as root on the ESM due to input not being properly sanitized when adding a new data source.

Understanding CVE-2023-6071

This section will provide insights into the nature of CVE-2023-6071 and its impact on affected systems.

What is CVE-2023-6071?

CVE-2023-6071 is classified as a "Command Injection" vulnerability (CAPEC-248) under CWE-77. It poses a high risk as it allows an attacker with high privileges to execute malicious commands as the root user on the affected ESM system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6071

The vulnerability has a CVSSv3.1 base score of 8.4, with a high severity rating. It can lead to a compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the system, emphasizing the critical nature of this security issue.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6071

In this section, we will delve into specific technical details regarding the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from an inadequate neutralization of special elements in commands, enabling an attacker to inject and execute arbitrary code to attain root access on the ESM system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts Trellix ESM versions prior to 11.6.9. Systems running these versions are susceptible to exploitation by remote administrators.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-6071 involves leveraging the lack of proper input sanitization when adding a new data source in ESM. This allows attackers to execute unauthorized commands and gain elevated privileges.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-6071, immediate actions and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their ESM systems to version 11.6.9 to remediate the vulnerability. This patch includes the necessary fixes to prevent the execution of arbitrary code by remote administrators.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing strict input validation and sanitization practices in all software components can help mitigate similar command injection vulnerabilities in the future. Regular security audits and updates are essential to maintain a secure environment.

Patching and Updates

Timely patching of the ESM platform to version 11.6.9 is crucial for addressing CVE-2023-6071. Regularly monitoring for security advisories and applying updates promptly is vital in safeguarding against emerging threats.