CVE-2023-46122 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability has been discovered in sbt, a build tool for Scala, Java, and other languages, that allows for arbitrary file write via archive extraction (Zip Slip) attack. This vulnerability has been assigned the CVE ID CVE-2023-46122.

Understanding CVE-2023-46122

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-46122 vulnerability in sbt.

What is CVE-2023-46122?

The vulnerability in sbt stems from an improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, leading to a path traversal scenario. Attackers can exploit this flaw by crafting a malicious zip or JAR file, allowing them to write arbitrary files. This could potentially result in unauthorized overwriting of critical files like

/root/.ssh/authorized_keys

.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46122

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as low severity, with the base score of 3.9. It requires local access and user interaction, with low confidentiality and integrity impacts. The availability impact is also low.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46122

Let's delve into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-46122.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability resides in sbt's

IO.unzip

function, which is utilized in the

pullRemoteCache

task and

Resolvers.remote

within the main code. Additionally, many projects directly use

IO.unzip(...)

for custom tasks. The issue allows an attacker to manipulate file paths, resulting in arbitrary file writes.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects sbt versions greater than or equal to 0.3.4 and less than 1.9.7. Users running these versions are encouraged to take immediate action to mitigate the risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a specially designed zip or JAR file and tricking the system into extracting it using the vulnerable

IO.unzip

function, leading to arbitrary file write operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to protect your system from the CVE-2023-46122 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update their sbt installations to version 1.9.7 or later, where the vulnerability has been addressed. Additionally, exercise caution when handling zip or JAR files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporate secure coding practices, such as input validation and secure file handling, to prevent path traversal and arbitrary file write vulnerabilities. Regularly update and patch your software to protect against known security flaws.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates released by sbt. Promptly apply patches to eliminate vulnerabilities and enhance the security posture of your systems.