CVE-2023-28616 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to an issue found in Stormshield Network Security (SNS) versions before 4.3.17, between 4.4.x and 4.6.x prior to 4.6.4, and in 4.7.x before 4.7.1. The vulnerability affects user accounts with passwords containing an equals sign or space character, leading to the serverd process logging such passwords in plaintext and potentially transmitting these logs to the Syslog component.

Understanding CVE-2023-28616

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-28616, including its nature and impact on systems.

What is CVE-2023-28616?

CVE-2023-28616 is a security flaw present in various versions of Stormshield Network Security where user accounts with specific characters in their passwords are improperly handled, resulting in potential exposure of sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28616

The impact of CVE-2023-28616 can be significant as it compromises the security of user accounts by exposing passwords in cleartext format and potentially sending them to external components, increasing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28616

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Stormshield Network Security allows user passwords with equals signs or space characters to be logged in plaintext by the serverd process, potentially leading to unauthorized access or exposure of sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Stormshield Network Security versions before 4.3.17, between 4.4.x and 4.6.x prior to 4.6.4, and 4.7.x before 4.7.1 are affected by CVE-2023-28616, making it crucial for users of these versions to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating user accounts with passwords containing equals signs or space characters, triggering the insecure logging behavior in the serverd process and potentially compromising the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28616 and enhance system security, users should follow specific measures highlighted below.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately update Stormshield Network Security to versions 4.3.17, 4.6.4, or 4.7.1 to patch the vulnerability and prevent unauthorized access to user passwords.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update password policies to ensure robust security measures are in place, including enforcing complex password requirements and educating users on best practices for creating secure passwords.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates provided by Stormshield Network Security and promptly apply patches to address any known vulnerabilities, enhancing the overall security posture of your systems.