CVE-2023-6156 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was assigned by Checkmk and published on November 22, 2023. It involves improper neutralization of livestatus command delimiters in the availability timeline in certain versions of Checkmk, leading to arbitrary livestatus command execution for authorized users.

Understanding CVE-2023-6156

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-6156, including what it is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-6156?

CVE-2023-6156 refers to the vulnerability in Checkmk versions <= 2.0.0p39, < 2.1.0p37, and < 2.2.0p15 where unauthorized users can execute arbitrary livestatus commands due to improper neutralization of command delimiters in the availability timeline.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6156

The impact of CVE-2023-6156 is classified as high severity according to the CVSS v3.1 scoring system, with a base score of 7.6. The vulnerability allows for unauthorized command execution, posing a significant security threat to affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6156

In this section, we will explore the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper neutralization of livestatus command delimiters in the availability timeline of vulnerable Checkmk versions, enabling unauthorized command execution by malicious actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Checkmk versions 2.0.0p39 and below, 2.1.0p37 and below, and 2.2.0p15 and below are affected by this vulnerability, allowing for arbitrary livestatus command execution for authorized users.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the improper neutralization of command delimiters in the availability timeline, attackers can execute unauthorized livestatus commands, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-6156, immediate action should be taken to address the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Checkmk to versions beyond 2.0.0p39, 2.1.0p37, and 2.2.0p15 to ensure the vulnerability is patched.
Restrict access to the livestatus command functionality to authorized users only.
Monitor system logs and network traffic for any suspicious activities indicative of unauthorized command execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.
Implement access controls and privilege management to limit the execution of critical commands.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address potential security gaps proactively.

Patching and Updates

Check for official security advisories from Checkmk and apply recommended patches and updates promptly to safeguard your system against CVE-2023-6156 and other security threats. Regularly monitor for new vulnerabilities and apply patches as soon as they are available.