CVE-2023-25831 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-25831 vulnerability affects Esri's Portal for ArcGIS, potentially exposing versions 10.9.1, 10.8.1, and 10.7.1 to a reflected XSS attack. This vulnerability, assigned by Esri, was published on May 9, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-25831

Esri's Portal for ArcGIS is impacted by a reflected XSS vulnerability, allowing remote attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in a victim's browser through a crafted link.

What is CVE-2023-25831?

The CVE-2023-25831 vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS issue, specifically identified as CAPEC-591, posing a risk to the security of Esri's Portal for ArcGIS.

The Impact of CVE-2023-25831

With a CVSS base score of 6.1 (Medium severity), the vulnerability's impact is considered low in terms of confidentiality and integrity, with no availability impact. Attack complexity is rated as low, and user interaction is required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-25831

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The reflected XSS vulnerability in Esri's Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.9.1, 10.8.1, and 10.7.1 enables remote, unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript by enticing victims to click on a malicious link.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts 64-bit systems running Esri's Portal for ArcGIS versions 10.9.1, 10.8.1, and 10.7.1.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious links that contain executable JavaScript, which, when clicked by unsuspecting users, triggers the execution of unauthorized code in their browsers.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-25831 and enhance the security posture of Esri's Portal for ArcGIS, stakeholders should implement immediate mitigation measures and follow long-term security best practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary security patches released by Esri to address the vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks associated with clicking on unknown or suspicious links.
Implement network security measures to detect and prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security advisories and updates related to Esri's products to mitigate emerging threats.
Enforce secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Esri has released security updates to address the reflected XSS vulnerability in Portal for ArcGIS. Users are advised to apply the latest patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation and enhance the security of their systems.