CVE-2023-3819 in pimcore
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2023
Exposure of Sensitive Information to an Unauthorized Actor in GitHub repository pimcore/pimcore prior to 10.6.4.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-3819 represents a critical exposure of sensitive information within the pimcore content management platform, specifically affecting versions prior to 10.6.4. This issue stems from inadequate access controls and improper authorization mechanisms that allow unauthorized actors to gain access to sensitive data that should remain restricted. The vulnerability exists within the repository management system of pimcore, which is widely used for enterprise content management and digital asset handling. Organizations utilizing pimcore for managing their digital infrastructure face significant risk when operating vulnerable versions, as the exposure can encompass user credentials, system configurations, and potentially confidential business data. The flaw manifests when the application fails to properly validate user permissions during data access requests, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a failure in the authentication and authorization framework where sensitive information is accessible through API endpoints or direct repository access without proper validation of user privileges. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-200, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to unauthorized actors, and represents a classic example of insufficient access control mechanisms. The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit weak authorization checks that should normally restrict access to sensitive data based on user roles and permissions. When an attacker successfully exploits this vulnerability, they can retrieve configuration files, database connection details, user authentication tokens, and other system artifacts that would normally be protected from unauthorized access. The impact is particularly severe given that pimcore is often used in enterprise environments where it handles sensitive customer data, proprietary content, and business-critical information assets.
The operational consequences of CVE-2023-3819 extend beyond simple data exposure to encompass potential system compromise and business disruption. Organizations running vulnerable pimcore instances face risks of data breaches, regulatory compliance violations, and reputational damage when sensitive information is exposed to unauthorized parties. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to escalate privileges, gain deeper system access, or use the exposed information for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability creates opportunities for attackers to conduct reconnaissance activities, map system architecture, and identify additional targets within the organization's digital ecosystem. This exposure can lead to cascading security incidents where the initial compromise of pimcore leads to broader system infiltration. The attack surface expands significantly when considering that pimcore repositories often contain interconnected systems and shared credentials that can be exploited once initial access is gained. Organizations should consider this vulnerability in their threat modeling and incident response planning, as the exposure of sensitive information can trigger regulatory investigations and compliance penalties.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-3819 require immediate action to upgrade to pimcore version 10.6.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the authorization flaws. System administrators should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of vulnerable pimcore installations within their infrastructure and prioritize remediation efforts accordingly. The upgrade process should include thorough testing to ensure compatibility with existing configurations and customizations. Organizations should implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized access attempts and data exfiltration activities. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be reviewed to limit access to pimcore systems and restrict communication paths that could be exploited. Security teams should also conduct regular audits of access controls and permission settings to ensure that proper least-privilege principles are enforced. The implementation of multi-factor authentication and enhanced logging mechanisms can provide additional layers of protection against unauthorized access attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing automated security scanning tools to continuously monitor for similar vulnerabilities across their software inventory and maintain updated threat intelligence to identify emerging risks associated with content management platforms.