CVE-2023-38646 in Open Source
Summary
by MITRE • 07/21/2023
Metabase open source before 0.46.6.1 and Metabase Enterprise before 1.46.6.1 allow attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the server, at the server's privilege level. Authentication is not required for exploitation. The other fixed versions are 0.45.4.1, 1.45.4.1, 0.44.7.1, 1.44.7.1, 0.43.7.2, and 1.43.7.2.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/15/2023
CVE-2023-38646 represents a critical command execution vulnerability affecting Metabase open source and enterprise editions prior to specific patch versions. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-78 category, which addresses OS command injection flaws that occur when untrusted data is incorporated into operating system commands without proper sanitization or validation. The flaw exists in Metabase's handling of user input within query execution contexts, allowing attackers to craft malicious inputs that get interpreted as shell commands rather than data. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its authentication-free exploitation requirement, meaning any attacker with network access to the Metabase instance can leverage this flaw without needing valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous in exposed environments.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within Metabase's query processing pipeline. Attackers can manipulate query parameters or data sources to inject malicious commands that get executed on the underlying server with the privileges of the Metabase process. This typically occurs when user-supplied data flows directly into system command execution contexts without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. The vulnerability affects multiple version streams including both 0.46.6.1 and 1.46.6.1 releases, with several intermediate versions also containing the flaw. The attack surface extends to any functionality that processes external data inputs through command execution pathways, particularly affecting database query execution and data import/export operations.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-38646 is severe and potentially catastrophic for affected organizations. Successful exploitation allows attackers to execute arbitrary code with the same privileges as the Metabase service, which could range from simple information disclosure to complete system compromise. Attackers may escalate privileges further if the Metabase process runs with elevated permissions, potentially gaining access to underlying databases, file systems, and other network resources. The vulnerability's lack of authentication requirements makes it particularly dangerous in cloud environments where Metabase instances might be exposed to the internet without proper network segmentation. Organizations using Metabase for business intelligence and data analytics could face significant data breaches, service disruption, and compliance violations when this vulnerability is exploited.
Organizations should immediately implement patch management procedures to upgrade to the fixed versions including 0.45.4.1, 1.45.4.1, 0.44.7.1, 1.44.7.1, 0.43.7.2, and 1.43.7.2. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of Metabase instances to untrusted networks. Monitoring systems should be configured to detect unusual command execution patterns or unauthorized access attempts. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any potential compromise indicators and implement proper input validation controls at all levels of the application stack. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.001 for command and script injection, making it a high-priority target for defensive measures and incident response procedures. Organizations should also consider implementing application whitelisting policies and privilege separation to minimize potential damage from similar vulnerabilities.