CVE-2023-32687 in tgstation-server
Summary
by MITRE • 05/30/2023
tgstation-server is a toolset to manage production BYOND servers. Starting in version 4.7.0 and prior to 5.12.1, instance users with the list chat bots permission can read chat bot connections strings without the associated permission. This issue is patched in version 5.12.1. As a workaround, remove the list chat bots permission from users that should not have the ability to view connection strings. Invalidate any credentials previously stored for safety.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-32687 affects the tgstation-server toolset used for managing BYOND servers in production environments. This represents a critical access control flaw that undermines the security model of the system. The vulnerability exists in versions 4.7.0 through 5.12.0, where users with the specific permission to list chat bots can bypass normal access controls to read sensitive connection strings associated with these chat bot instances. This issue directly violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper authorization enforcement.
The technical flaw manifests as an insufficient authorization check within the chat bot management functionality. When users with the list chat bots permission attempt to access chat bot information, the system fails to verify whether these users possess the appropriate clearance to view the underlying connection strings. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where users can access resources beyond their designated permissions. The vulnerability falls under CWE-284 which specifically addresses improper access control and inadequate authorization mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using tgstation-server for their BYOND server management. Attackers who gain access to a user account with the list chat bots permission can potentially extract sensitive connection information that may include database credentials, API keys, or other authentication tokens. This exposure creates a pathway for lateral movement within the network and could lead to complete compromise of the affected systems. The vulnerability also impacts the principle of defense in depth as it allows unauthorized access to connection strings that should remain restricted to authorized administrators.
The remediation approach requires immediate implementation of the patched version 5.12.1 which properly enforces authorization checks for chat bot connection string access. Organizations should also implement the suggested workaround of removing the list chat bots permission from users who should not have access to connection strings, effectively reducing the attack surface. Additionally, credential invalidation is crucial for safety as any previously compromised connection strings could have been stored in memory or cached by the system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves credential access through improper access control mechanisms, and demonstrates the importance of implementing proper permission validation in multi-user server environments.
Organizations should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual access patterns to chat bot management functions, as this vulnerability could potentially be exploited in combination with other access control bypasses. The incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining current software versions and conducting regular security assessments of server management tools. Proper logging and audit trails for permission changes and access to sensitive information should be implemented to detect similar issues in other components of the system architecture.