CVE-2023-41897 in Home Assistant
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
Home assistant is an open source home automation. Home Assistant server does not set any HTTP security headers, including the X-Frame-Options header, which specifies whether the web page is allowed to be framed. The omission of this and correlating headers facilitates covert clickjacking attacks and alternative exploit opportunities, such as the vector described in this security advisory. This fault incurs major risk, considering the ability to trick users into installing an external and malicious add-on with minimal user interaction, which would enable Remote Code Execution (RCE) within the Home Assistant application. This issue has been addressed in version 2023.9.0 and all users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-41897 represents a critical security flaw within the Home Assistant open source home automation platform that exposes users to significant exploitation risks. This issue stems from the absence of essential HTTP security headers in the Home Assistant server implementation, particularly the crucial X-Frame-Options header that controls whether web pages can be embedded within frames or iframes. The omission of these protective headers creates a dangerous attack surface that directly violates established web security best practices and industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. Security headers serve as fundamental defensive mechanisms that prevent various attack vectors including clickjacking, cross-site scripting, and other browser-based exploitation techniques that rely on the absence of proper security controls.
The technical flaw manifests as a complete absence of security headers that should be implemented by any modern web application to protect against browser-based attacks. The X-Frame-Options header specifically prevents the web page from being embedded in frames, which is essential for preventing clickjacking attacks where attackers could trick users into interacting with malicious content while believing they are interacting with legitimate interface elements. Without this protection, attackers can create malicious web pages that frame legitimate Home Assistant interfaces, making it appear as though users are interacting with their home automation system while actually performing actions controlled by the attacker. This vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it enables the exploitation of the trust relationship between users and the Home Assistant interface, allowing for sophisticated social engineering attacks that can lead to full system compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple clickjacking scenarios, as it enables a pathway to remote code execution within the Home Assistant application environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to trick users into installing malicious add-ons through seemingly legitimate interface interactions, effectively bypassing user consent mechanisms and gaining complete control over the home automation system. This represents a significant risk to home network security since Home Assistant typically runs on local networks and often has access to various connected devices and systems. The vulnerability creates an attack vector that can be exploited with minimal user interaction, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users may not be security-aware. According to the MITRE ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to techniques related to privilege escalation and initial access through web-based attacks, while CWE-352 categorizes it as a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) vulnerability that enables clickjacking attacks.
The severity of this vulnerability is compounded by the fact that it affects the core web interface of Home Assistant, which serves as the primary point of user interaction and system management. The absence of proper security headers means that attackers can manipulate the user interface in ways that are difficult to detect, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications, data exfiltration, or even complete system compromise. The attack scenario becomes particularly concerning because it allows for the installation of malicious add-ons that can execute arbitrary code within the Home Assistant environment, potentially providing attackers with access to network-connected devices, user credentials, or other sensitive information. Users who upgrade to version 2023.9.0 or later will receive the necessary security headers that prevent these attacks, but all previous versions remain vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations and individuals relying on Home Assistant systems should prioritize immediate upgrades to protect against this critical vulnerability that represents a significant risk to home network security and user privacy. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of implementing comprehensive security headers as part of the application security baseline, aligning with industry standards that emphasize the need for proper HTTP security header implementation to prevent browser-based attacks.