CVE-2023-45869 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article provides detailed information about CVE-2023-45869, a critical vulnerability impacting ILIAS 7.25 (2023-09-12) that allows remote execution of arbitrary operating system commands.

Understanding CVE-2023-45869

In September 2023, a security flaw was discovered in ILIAS 7.25 that enables any authenticated user to remotely execute malicious operating system commands when a highly privileged account accesses a cross-site scripting payload.

What is CVE-2023-45869?

The vulnerability in ILIAS 7.25 allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary operating system commands via the exec() function in the execQuoted() method of the ilUtil class. This could lead to a compromise of the system's integrity, confidentiality, and availability.

The Impact of CVE-2023-45869

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in severe consequences, including unauthorized access, data theft, and system manipulation, posing a significant risk to the security of ILIAS installations and the underlying operating system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-45869

Vulnerability Description

ILIAS 7.25 is susceptible to remote code execution due to improper validation of user-supplied input. This flaw enables authenticated users to execute arbitrary commands, potentially leading to a full system compromise.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects ILIAS 7.25 (2023-09-12) installations. All authenticated users within these environments are capable of exploiting this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging a highly privileged account to access a cross-site scripting payload, authenticated users can inject malicious commands, which are then executed via the exec() function, allowing them to remotely control the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2023-45869, users are advised to update ILIAS to a patched version released by the vendor. Additionally, restricting highly privileged account access can help prevent unauthorized command execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and educating users on potential threats can enhance the overall security posture and prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is crucial for ILIAS administrators to stay informed about security updates and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities, ensuring the ongoing protection of the ILIAS installation against potential exploits.