CVE-2023-3533 : Security Advisory and Response

This CVE-2023-3533, assigned by STAR Labs, was published on November 28, 2023, revealing a critical vulnerability in Chamilo LMS version 1.11.20 and below. The vulnerability allows unauthenticated attackers to achieve remote code execution via arbitrary file write, posing a significant risk to affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2023-3533

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-3533, shedding light on what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-3533?

CVE-2023-3533 is a path traversal vulnerability found in the file upload functionality of Chamilo LMS version 1.11.20 and earlier. Attackers can exploit this flaw to execute stored cross-site scripting attacks and gain remote code execution capabilities without the need for authentication.

The Impact of CVE-2023-3533

The impact of CVE-2023-3533 is classified as critical, with a CVSS base score of 9.8 out of 10. The vulnerability has a high impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, making it a severe threat to the security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-3533

This section provides a deeper dive into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-3533, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from a path traversal issue in the

/main/webservices/additional_webservices.php

file of Chamilo LMS version 1.11.20 and earlier. This allows attackers to bypass security measures and execute malicious code, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Chamilo LMS versions up to and including 1.11.20 are impacted by CVE-2023-3533. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation by threat actors seeking to execute remote code and compromise system integrity.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the path traversal vulnerability in the file upload functionality of Chamilo LMS, unauthenticated attackers can upload malicious files, perform cross-site scripting attacks, and execute arbitrary code on the target system. This exploit does not require any user interaction, making it particularly dangerous.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2023-3533, immediate steps should be taken to secure vulnerable systems and prevent potential exploitation. Implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates are crucial in mitigating this critical vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

System administrators are advised to update Chamilo LMS to a patched version beyond 1.11.20, as provided by the vendor. Additionally, monitoring and restricting file uploads, implementing input validation, and configuring proper access controls can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access and code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Maintaining up-to-date software, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on safe computing practices are essential for enhancing overall cybersecurity posture. Employing defense-in-depth strategies and monitoring system logs for suspicious activities can aid in detecting and thwarting potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Chamilo has released a patch to address CVE-2023-3533. Organizations using affected versions are strongly encouraged to apply the patch promptly to remediate the vulnerability and protect their systems from potential exploitation. Regularly checking for updates and applying security patches is fundamental in safeguarding against known vulnerabilities and ensuring system resilience.