CVE-2023-0957 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE record outlines a security vulnerability identified as a Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking (CSWSH) in Gitpod versions released prior to release-2022.11.2.16. This vulnerability enables malicious actors to establish WebSocket connections to the Gitpod JSONRPC server using a victim's credentials due to the lack of restrictions on the Origin header. The exploit can result in data extraction from workspaces and potentially lead to a complete takeover of the workspace.

Understanding CVE-2023-0957

Gitpod, a popular tool used for developing and testing code in the cloud, was found to have a critical security flaw that could be exploited by attackers to compromise user workspaces.

What is CVE-2023-0957?

The CVE-2023-0957 vulnerability is categorized as a Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking (CSWSH) flaw in Gitpod. Attackers can abuse this vulnerability to make WebSocket connections to the Gitpod JSONRPC server using a victim's credentials, ultimately gaining unauthorized access to workspace data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-0957

The impact of this vulnerability is severe, with a high base severity score of 8.2 out of 10. It poses a significant threat to the confidentiality and integrity of user data within Gitpod workspaces, potentially leading to unauthorized data extraction and workspace takeovers.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-0957

The following technical details provide insights into the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Gitpod versions prior to release-2022.11.2.16 allows for Cross-Site WebSocket Hijacking (CSWSH), enabling attackers to establish WebSocket connections to the Gitpod JSONRPC server using a victim's credentials due to unrestricted Origin headers.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this CVE is Gitpod, specifically versions prior to release-2022.11.2.16. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation by unauthorized entities leveraging the CSWSH vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CVE-2023-0957 vulnerability by initiating WebSocket connections to the Gitpod JSONRPC server with a compromised user's credentials, bypassing Origin header restrictions. This exploitation can lead to the unauthorized access and potential compromise of sensitive workspace data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address the CVE-2023-0957 vulnerability and enhance the security of Gitpod environments, consider the following mitigation strategies and security best practices:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Gitpod to release-2022.11.2.16 or newer versions that contain patches addressing the CSWSH vulnerability.
Monitor WebSocket connections and implement Origin header restrictions to prevent unauthorized access to the JSONRPC server.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users on secure practices when using Gitpod, such as avoiding sharing credentials and maintaining up-to-date software versions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Gitpod to address known vulnerabilities promptly. Regularly update the Gitpod tool to the latest secure versions to mitigate potential risks associated with CVE-2023-0957.