CVE-2023-46950 in Sidekiq
Summary
by MITRE • 03/01/2024
Cross Site Scripting vulnerability in Contribsys Sidekiq v.6.5.8 allows a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information via a crafted URL to the filter functions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2025
The CVE-2023-46950 vulnerability represents a cross site scripting flaw discovered in Contribsys Sidekiq version 6.5.8, a popular Ruby-based background job processing system widely deployed in enterprise environments. This vulnerability specifically affects the filter functions within the Sidekiq web interface, creating a potential attack vector for remote threat actors to execute malicious scripts against unsuspecting users who interact with the affected system. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the filter parameters that are processed by the Sidekiq administrative interface, making it particularly concerning given that Sidekiq is commonly used in production environments where sensitive data processing occurs. The vulnerability manifests when a crafted URL containing malicious script code is passed to the filter functions, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the victim's browser session.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross site scripting flaws in web applications, and specifically demonstrates how improper handling of user-supplied input can lead to unauthorized code execution. The attack surface is particularly significant because Sidekiq's web interface often provides access to sensitive operational data including job queues, worker information, and system metrics that could be exploited by attackers. The filter functions in question likely process parameters such as job status, worker names, or time ranges, which when improperly sanitized can allow attackers to inject malicious payloads that execute in the browser context of authenticated users. This creates a scenario where a remote attacker could potentially access administrative functions, extract sensitive information from job queues, or even escalate privileges within the Sidekiq environment. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require local system access or authentication to the target system itself.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-46950 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable more sophisticated attack chains within the target environment. When an authenticated user visits a maliciously crafted URL, the XSS payload could steal session cookies, redirect users to phishing sites, or modify the Sidekiq interface to hide or manipulate job processing. In enterprise environments where Sidekiq manages critical background processes, this vulnerability could lead to data exfiltration, service disruption, or even compromise of the underlying application infrastructure. The attack could be particularly damaging in environments where Sidekiq is used to process sensitive data such as financial transactions, personal identification information, or proprietary business data. Additionally, the vulnerability could be leveraged as a stepping stone for further attacks, allowing threat actors to establish persistent access patterns within the system.
Organizations should prioritize immediate mitigation of this vulnerability through the application of available patches or updates to Sidekiq version 6.5.9 or later, which contain the necessary fixes for the XSS flaw. The remediation process should include comprehensive testing of the updated system to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in functionality, particularly within the filter and search capabilities that were affected by the vulnerability. Security teams should also implement network-level monitoring to detect suspicious URL patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, as well as review access controls to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the Sidekiq web interface. Additional mitigations may include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution within the Sidekiq interface, utilizing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests, and conducting regular security assessments of the Sidekiq installation to identify similar vulnerabilities in the broader application ecosystem. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and sanitization practices, reinforcing the need for adherence to secure coding standards and regular security training for development teams responsible for maintaining web applications.