CVE-2023-34055 : What You Need to Know

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-34055, a vulnerability affecting Spring Boot servers that can lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.

Understanding CVE-2023-34055

CVE-2023-34055 is a vulnerability in Spring Boot versions 2.7.0 - 2.7.17, 3.0.0-3.0.12, and 3.1.0-3.1.5 that allows a user to exploit specially crafted HTTP requests to trigger a denial-of-service (DoS) condition.

What is CVE-2023-34055?

In Spring Boot versions mentioned above, attackers can exploit the vulnerability by leveraging Spring MVC or Spring WebFlux when

org.springframework.boot:spring-boot-actuator

is on the classpath.

The Impact of CVE-2023-34055

The vulnerability could lead to a DoS condition where an attacker can disrupt the availability of the affected Spring Boot servers, impacting the accessibility of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-34055

The CVSS v3.1 severity rating for this vulnerability is 5.3, categorised as MEDIUM. The attack complexity is LOW, with network-based attack vectors and low availability impact.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw allows users to send malicious HTTP requests that could lead to a denial-of-service (DoS) situation on Spring Boot servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Spring Boot versions 2.7.0 - 2.7.17, 3.0.0-3.0.12, and 3.1.0-3.1.5 are affected. The vulnerability occurs when a specific library is present in the classpath.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting HTTP requests to trigger a DoS condition on Spring Boot servers.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address CVE-2023-34055 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Ensure Spring Boot servers are updated to versions 2.7.18, 3.0.13, or 3.1.6 to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent DoS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Spring Boot servers to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from Spring to protect against emerging threats and vulnerabilities.