CVE-2023-33965 in Brook
Summary
by MITRE • 06/01/2023
Brook is a cross-platform programmable network tool. The `tproxy` server is vulnerable to a drive-by command injection. An attacker may fool a victim into visiting a malicious web page which will trigger requests to the local `tproxy` service leading to remote code execution. A patch is available in version 20230606.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-33965 affects Brook, a cross-platform network tool designed for programmable network operations. This particular flaw resides within the tproxy server component of the software, which serves as a transparent proxy for network traffic manipulation. The vulnerability represents a critical security weakness that allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands on systems running vulnerable versions of Brook. The attack vector leverages drive-by command injection techniques, where malicious web pages can be crafted to exploit the vulnerable tproxy service without requiring any user interaction beyond visiting the compromised site.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the tproxy server's handling of network requests. When a victim visits a malicious webpage, the page can trigger automated requests to the local tproxy service that contains specially crafted payloads designed to exploit command injection flaws. This allows attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the user running the Brook tproxy service. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited remotely through web-based attacks, eliminating the need for physical access or direct network penetration. The flaw essentially allows an attacker to bypass normal security boundaries and gain unauthorized access to the underlying system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-33965 extends beyond simple remote code execution, as it can potentially allow attackers to establish persistent access to affected systems. Attackers may use this vulnerability to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, or deploy additional malware within the network environment. The cross-platform nature of Brook means that this vulnerability could affect multiple operating systems, increasing the potential attack surface. Organizations using Brook's tproxy functionality are at risk of unauthorized network access and potential data breaches, particularly in environments where network traffic is being monitored or manipulated for legitimate purposes.
Security professionals should prioritize patching vulnerable systems immediately, as version 20230606 contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. The patch addresses the command injection flaw by implementing proper input validation and sanitization measures within the tproxy server component. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect suspicious traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, users should be educated about the risks of visiting untrusted websites and the importance of keeping network tools updated. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories related to command injection and code execution flaws, and represents a typical attack pattern seen in the ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of validating all inputs in network services and implementing proper access controls to prevent unauthorized command execution.