CVE-2023-6911 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-6911, which was published by WSO2 on December 18, 2023. The vulnerability affects multiple WSO2 products due to improper output encoding, enabling a Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attack by injecting a malicious payload into the Registry feature of the Management Console.

Understanding CVE-2023-6911

In this section, we will delve into the details of CVE-2023-6911 to understand the impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies associated with this vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-6911?

The vulnerability, CVE-2023-6911, involves improper output encoding in multiple WSO2 products, leading to a Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attack. Attackers can inject malicious payloads into the Registry feature of the Management Console, potentially compromising the security of the affected systems.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6911

The impact of CVE-2023-6911 is characterized by a Stored XSS vulnerability (CAPEC-592), which can be exploited by threat actors to execute arbitrary scripts within the context of a user's session. This could lead to unauthorized actions, data theft, or further system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6911

Let's explore the technical details related to CVE-2023-6911, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper output encoding in multiple WSO2 products, allowing attackers to perform Stored Cross Site Scripting (XSS) attacks via the Registry feature of the Management Console.

Affected Systems and Versions

Various WSO2 products are impacted by CVE-2023-6911, with specific versions susceptible to the Stored XSS vulnerability. It is crucial to evaluate the versions mentioned in the CVE data and take appropriate actions based on the affected systems.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-6911 involves injecting a malicious payload into the Registry feature of the Management Console in affected WSO2 products. This manipulation can enable attackers to execute unauthorized scripts within the application environment.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the risks associated with CVE-2023-6911, implementing effective mitigation and prevention measures is essential. Here are some key steps to enhance the security posture of affected systems:

Immediate Steps to Take

For WSO2 Subscription holders, it is recommended to apply the provided patch/update to the affected versions of the products promptly.
Ensure that the instructions accompanying the patch/update are followed diligently to mitigate the vulnerability effectively.

Long-Term Security Practices

Develop a robust security awareness program within the organization to educate users about the risks associated with XSS attacks and best practices for secure coding.
Regularly monitor and update security configurations to detect and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Community users can apply relevant fixes based on the public patches advertised on the WSO2 security advisories page to safeguard their systems against XSS threats.

By proactively addressing CVE-2023-6911 through timely patches, security awareness, and diligent monitoring, organizations can enhance their resilience against XSS attacks and ensure the integrity of their systems.