CVE-2023-22931 in Splunk
Summary
by MITRE • 02/14/2023
In Splunk Enterprise versions below 8.1.13 and 8.2.10, the ‘createrss’ external search command overwrites existing Resource Description Format Site Summary (RSS) feeds without verifying permissions. This feature has been deprecated and disabled by default.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-22931 affects Splunk Enterprise installations running versions prior to 8.1.13 and 8.2.10, presenting a critical access control flaw within the system's external search command functionality. This issue specifically involves the 'createrss' external search command which is designed to create RSS feeds but fails to implement proper permission verification when overwriting existing Resource Description Format Site Summary feeds. The vulnerability stems from the command's inability to validate whether the user executing the operation possesses adequate authorization rights to modify existing RSS feed configurations, creating a potential privilege escalation vector that could allow unauthorized modifications to system resources.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the 'createrss' command's lack of access control validation mechanisms when processing overwrite operations on RSS feed resources. This command operates without performing necessary permission checks that would normally verify the executing user's privileges against the target resource's access control policies. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages a deprecated feature that has been disabled by default, yet remains functional in vulnerable installations, creating a potential backdoor for attackers who might exploit this functionality to gain unauthorized access to RSS feed configurations. According to CWE classification, this represents a weakness in access control mechanisms under CWE-284, specifically manifesting as improper access control during resource manipulation operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized modifications, as it could enable attackers to manipulate RSS feed content to redirect users to malicious sites, potentially leading to phishing attacks or malware distribution. The deprecated nature of the 'createrss' command means that security teams may not regularly monitor or patch this functionality, making it an attractive target for adversaries seeking persistent access or data exfiltration opportunities. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to establish malicious RSS feeds that appear legitimate within Splunk's monitoring environment, potentially evading detection while maintaining unauthorized access to system resources. This weakness directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts and T1566.002 which addresses phishing through social engineering, as the vulnerability enables attackers to manipulate system feeds to facilitate further attacks.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to Splunk Enterprise versions 8.1.13 or 8.2.10 to remediate this vulnerability, as these releases include proper access control validation for the 'createrss' external search command. Additionally, security administrators should disable the 'createrss' command entirely in environments where it is not required, as recommended by the vendor's security advisories. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual RSS feed creation or modification activities, particularly when these operations occur outside of normal business hours or from unexpected network locations. Regular security assessments should include verification that deprecated features are properly disabled and that access control mechanisms are functioning correctly for all system resources, including RSS feed configurations. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining proper access control validation even for deprecated system components, as these features often remain accessible and can provide attack vectors when not properly secured.