CVE-2023-47116 in label-studio
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2024
Label Studio is a popular open source data labeling tool. The vulnerability affects all versions of Label Studio prior to 1.11.0 and was tested on version 1.8.2. Label Studio's SSRF protections that can be enabled by setting the `SSRF_PROTECTION_ENABLED` environment variable can be bypassed to access internal web servers. This is because the current SSRF validation is done by executing a single DNS lookup to verify that the IP address is not in an excluded subnet range. This protection can be bypassed by either using HTTP redirection or performing a DNS rebinding attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47116 represents a critical server-side request forgery flaw in Label Studio, a widely adopted open source data labeling platform that has been extensively used in machine learning and artificial intelligence development workflows. This vulnerability affects all versions prior to 1.11.0, with specific testing conducted on version 1.8.2, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this tool for sensitive data processing and annotation tasks. The flaw exists within the application's security controls that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to internal network resources through the SSRF_PROTECTION_ENABLED environment variable configuration.
The technical implementation of the SSRF protection mechanism in Label Studio demonstrates a fundamental design weakness that can be exploited through sophisticated bypass techniques. The current validation approach relies on executing a single DNS lookup to verify that IP addresses are not within excluded subnet ranges, which represents a classic example of insufficient validation or sanitization as classified under CWE-917. This simplistic approach fails to account for advanced attack vectors that can circumvent basic network-level protections. The vulnerability specifically stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize network requests, creating a pathway for attackers to access internal web servers that should remain isolated from external access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to potentially access internal systems that may contain sensitive data, configuration files, or administrative interfaces. The bypass mechanisms available to exploit this flaw include HTTP redirection techniques and DNS rebinding attacks, both of which represent sophisticated approaches that align with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1190 - Proxy Relay and T1071.004 - Application Layer Protocol: DNS categories. These attack vectors allow threat actors to circumvent network segmentation controls and gain access to internal resources that would normally be protected by firewall rules or network access controls. The vulnerability particularly affects organizations that deploy Label Studio in environments where internal network resources are not properly isolated from the application's network access boundaries.
The security implications of CVE-2023-47116 are particularly concerning for enterprises that use Label Studio for processing sensitive data, as the vulnerability enables attackers to potentially access internal services that may contain proprietary information, user data, or system configurations. The bypass techniques leverage fundamental weaknesses in the application's network validation logic, where a single DNS lookup validation can be circumvented through proper manipulation of network responses. Organizations using Label Studio in production environments should immediately implement the recommended mitigations, which include upgrading to version 1.11.0 or later, disabling the SSRF protection feature if not required, and implementing additional network-level controls such as firewall rules and network segmentation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of robust input validation and the dangers of relying on single-point validation mechanisms for critical security controls. This flaw represents a clear example of how inadequate security design can create persistent risks that may not be immediately apparent but can be exploited by determined attackers with knowledge of advanced network attack techniques.