CVE-2023-3425 in Files Server
Summary
by MITRE • 08/25/2023
Out-of-bounds read issue in M-Files Server versions below 23.8.12892.6 and LTS Service Release Versions before 23.2 LTS SR3 allows unauthenticated user to read restricted amount of bytes from memory.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/28/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3425 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within M-Files Server software that affects versions prior to 23.8.12892.6 and LTS Service Release versions before 23.2 LTS SR3. This issue stems from insufficient input validation mechanisms within the server's memory management subsystem, creating a pathway for unauthorized data access that could potentially expose sensitive information. The vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the server's handling of memory operations when processing certain client requests, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where document management systems store confidential data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a memory access pattern where the M-Files Server fails to properly bounds-check array indices or buffer limits when processing incoming data requests. This flaw allows an unauthenticated attacker to craft malicious requests that trigger memory reads beyond the allocated buffer boundaries, potentially accessing adjacent memory locations containing sensitive data such as authentication tokens, user credentials, or document contents. The out-of-bounds read occurs during the processing of specific API calls or data retrieval operations, where the server's memory management logic does not adequately validate the size or content of incoming data structures before attempting memory access operations. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-129, which specifically addresses insufficient bounds checking in memory operations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 for data from local system.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-3425 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential for privilege escalation and data exfiltration attacks within organizations that rely on M-Files for document management and collaboration. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to access restricted documents, user metadata, or system configuration details that might aid in further exploitation attempts. The unauthenticated nature of the attack means that any network-accessible M-Files Server instance could be targeted without requiring prior credentials or access rights, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where servers are exposed to external networks. Organizations using affected versions of M-Files Server face significant risk of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and potential legal consequences due to unauthorized data access.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3425 primarily involve immediate patching of affected M-Files Server installations to versions 23.8.12892.6 or later, or upgrading to the appropriate LTS Service Release versions. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict access to M-Files Server instances, particularly limiting exposure to external networks while maintaining internal access controls. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unusual patterns in API calls or data access requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their M-Files environments and review access controls to ensure that even if exploitation occurs, the scope of potential damage remains limited. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of robust input validation and memory safety practices in enterprise document management systems, aligning with industry standards for secure coding practices and emphasizing the need for regular security updates in critical infrastructure software components.