CVE-2023-28425 in Redis
Summary
by MITRE • 03/20/2023
Redis is an in-memory database that persists on disk. Starting in version 7.0.8 and prior to version 7.0.10, authenticated users can use the MSETNX command to trigger a runtime assertion and termination of the Redis server process. The problem is fixed in Redis version 7.0.10.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28425 represents a critical denial of service flaw within Redis database systems, specifically affecting versions 7.0.8 through 7.0.9. This issue stems from improper validation within the MSETNX command implementation, which allows authenticated users to exploit a runtime assertion failure that ultimately leads to server termination. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic example of insufficient input validation where the system fails to properly handle edge cases during command execution, creating a condition that can be deliberately triggered by malicious actors.
The technical flaw manifests when authenticated users execute the MSETNX command against a Redis server running the vulnerable versions. This command, which typically performs a set operation only if none of the keys already exist, contains a critical assertion that fails under specific conditions. The assertion failure occurs during the internal processing of the command, causing the Redis server process to abruptly terminate and restart. This behavior aligns with CWE-617, which describes reachable assertions that can be exploited to cause program termination. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires only authenticated access, meaning that users with valid credentials can potentially disrupt service availability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, as it can be leveraged to create persistent denial of service conditions within Redis environments. Organizations relying on Redis for critical data operations may experience significant downtime, data access interruptions, and potential cascading failures in applications that depend on Redis for caching, session management, or real-time data processing. The vulnerability affects systems where Redis is deployed in production environments, particularly those with multiple authenticated users or applications that expose Redis to untrusted networks. Attackers can exploit this weakness to degrade service quality, potentially causing business disruption and impacting user experience.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-28425 should prioritize immediate patching to Redis version 7.0.10, which contains the necessary fixes to prevent the assertion failure. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to Redis instances, ensuring that only authorized applications and users can interact with the database. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict access controls, monitoring for unusual command patterns, and establishing robust incident response procedures. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to the T1499.004 technique for network denial of service, while also representing a privilege escalation vector through command execution. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be implemented to identify similar weaknesses in other database systems and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the broader infrastructure ecosystem.