CVE-2023-2158 in Code Dx
Summary
by MITRE • 04/27/2023
Code Dx versions prior to 2023.4.2 are vulnerable to user impersonation attack where a malicious actor is able to gain access to another user's account by crafting a custom "Remember Me" token. This is possible due to the use of a hard-coded cipher which was used when generating the token. A malicious actor who creates this token can supply it to a separate Code Dx system, provided they know the username they want to impersonate, and impersonate the user. Score 6.7 CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:C
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-2158 represents a critical user impersonation flaw affecting Code Dx versions prior to 2023.4.2. This security weakness stems from the improper implementation of session management mechanisms, specifically within the "Remember Me" functionality that allows persistent user authentication across sessions. The flaw enables unauthorized access to user accounts through the manipulation of authentication tokens, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on this application for security operations and code analysis.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the use of a hard-coded cipher for generating "Remember Me" tokens, which violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-327 and CWE-328. This hardcoded cryptographic implementation creates a deterministic system where malicious actors can reverse-engineer or predict token generation patterns. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires no privileged access or specialized tools to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in environments where multiple users share the same system. The CVSS score of 6.7 indicates high severity due to the combination of network accessibility, high attack complexity, and the potential for high impact on confidentiality and integrity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables persistent impersonation attacks that can go undetected for extended periods. An attacker who successfully crafts a valid token can assume the identity of any user within the system, potentially gaining access to sensitive code analysis results, security configurations, and other privileged information. This capability directly violates the principle of least privilege and can lead to data exfiltration, system compromise, and the ability to perform actions as legitimate users. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the application, creating a path for privilege escalation and lateral movement within the security infrastructure.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to Code Dx version 2023.4.2 or later, which addresses the hardcoded cipher issue through proper cryptographic implementation. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns, implementing multi-factor authentication for critical accounts, and conducting thorough security assessments of session management components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following security best practices such as those outlined in NIST SP 800-63B for authentication management and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's authentication tactics, specifically focusing on credential access and privilege escalation techniques that leverage weak session management. Security teams should also consider implementing automated token rotation mechanisms and regular security testing to prevent similar vulnerabilities in other applications.