CVE-2023-40743 : Security Advisory and Response

Apache Axis 1.x (EOL) may allow RCE when untrusted input is passed to getService.

Understanding CVE-2023-40743

This CVE relates to a vulnerability in Apache Axis 1.x, which may lead to Remote Code Execution (RCE) when untrusted input is passed to the 'getService' function.

What is CVE-2023-40743?

When integrating Apache Axis 1.x, using 'ServiceFactory.getService' with untrusted input can expose applications to Denial of Service (DoS), Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), and potential RCE attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-40743

The impact of this vulnerability is significant, as it allows attackers to exploit the application through untrusted input, potentially leading to RCE.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-40743

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the insecure handling of untrusted input in the 'ServiceFactory.getService' method in Apache Axis 1.x.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache Axis
Vendor: Apache Software Foundation
Affected Version: 1.3 and below

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit this vulnerability by passing untrusted input to the 'getService' function, leading to serious security risks.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this section, we discuss steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-40743.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is recommended to migrate to a different SOAP engine like Apache Axis 2/Java as an immediate step. Reviewing codes to ensure no untrusted input is passed to 'ServiceFactory.getService' is crucial.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust input validation mechanisms and security controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Apply the provided patch from the vendor urgently to address the vulnerability in Apache Axis 1.x.