CVE-2023-4959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE involves a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability on the config-editor page, impacting Red Hat Quay 3.

Understanding CVE-2023-4959

This vulnerability allows for unauthorized actions to be performed in the Quay application by exploiting a flaw in CSRF protection on the config-editor page.

What is CVE-2023-4959?

The vulnerability in Quay allows attackers to manipulate the config-editor page to reconfigure the Quay instance, potentially including actions like adding users with admin privileges. CSRF attacks involve tricking a user's browser into executing malicious actions without their consent.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4959

This vulnerability can have severe consequences as it allows attackers to make unauthorized changes to the Quay instance, compromising its integrity and potentially leading to unauthorized access by malicious actors.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4959

The vulnerability is rated as having a CVSS base score of 6.5, with a medium severity level. It requires user interaction and has a network-based attack vector. The affected product is Quay, specifically Red Hat Quay 3.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Quay's config-editor page allows for CSRF attacks, enabling attackers to manipulate user actions without their consent, potentially leading to unauthorized changes in the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects Red Hat Quay 3. Users of this version are at risk of exploitation if proper mitigation measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CSRF vulnerability in the config-editor page of Quay by coercing a user's browser to send attacker-controlled requests from a different domain, allowing them to reconfigure the Quay instance.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2023-4959 and prevent potential exploitation by malicious entities.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability, it is recommended to implement a secret in all requests that may result in changes to the application's data. Additionally, setting the "SameSite" attribute in the session cookie can enhance security by preventing cross-origin requests.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, performing regular security assessments, and staying informed about security updates and patches are essential for maintaining the security of applications like Quay and preventing future vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Users of Red Hat Quay 3 are advised to apply any patches or updates provided by Red Hat to address the CSRF vulnerability on the config-editor page. Regularly updating the software can help mitigate known security risks and ensure a more secure environment.