CVE-2023-28444 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves an angular-server-side-configuration information disclosure vulnerability in a monorepo setup with a Node.js backend. It was assigned by GitHub_M and published on March 24, 2023.

Understanding CVE-2023-28444

This vulnerability impacts the angular-server-side-configuration tool and can result in the insertion of sensitive information into an externally-accessible file or directory, potentially exposing this information to unauthorized actors.

What is CVE-2023-28444?

The CVE-2023-28444 vulnerability in angular-server-side-configuration allows environment variables intended for a backend/service to be detected and written to a ngssc.json file, which could then be populated and exposed via index.html in a monorepo setup with a Node.js backend.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28444

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as critical with a CVSSv3.1 base score of 9.9. It has high confidentiality impact, low integrity impact, and low availability impact. Attack vector is network-based, and no privileges are required for exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28444

This section provides insight into the vulnerability's description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

angular-server-side-configuration, with version 15.0.0, widened environment variable detection to the entire project, potentially exposing sensitive information via the ngssc.json file in a monorepo with a Node.js backend.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects the "angular-server-side-configuration" tool version ranging from >= 15.0.0 to < 15.1.0.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows for the detection and insertion of sensitive environment variables into ngssc.json file, which can then be exposed via index.html in certain project configurations.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-28444 and implement long-term security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update to version 15.1.0 of the angular-server-side-configuration tool. As a workaround, manual editing of ngssc.json or running scripts after its generation can help mitigate the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict access controls, regularly review configuration files for sensitive information exposure, and stay informed about security updates and best practices in application configuration security.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all affected systems are promptly patched with the latest version (15.1.0) of the angular-server-side-configuration tool to address the vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.