CVE-2023-47619 in audiobookshelf
Summary
by MITRE • 12/13/2023
Audiobookshelf is a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. In versions 2.4.3 and prior, users with the update permission are able to read arbitrary files, delete arbitrary files and send a GET request to arbitrary URLs and read the response. This issue may lead to Information Disclosure. As of time of publication, no patches are available.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-47619 affects Audiobookshelf, a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server application that allows users to manage and stream audio content locally. This security flaw exists in versions 2.4.3 and earlier, representing a critical authorization bypass and arbitrary file access vulnerability that significantly compromises the security posture of affected systems. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and insufficient access controls within the application's update functionality, creating a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the system's file handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows authenticated users with update permissions to perform unauthorized operations through the application's API endpoints. Specifically, these users can execute arbitrary file read operations, enabling them to access sensitive files that should normally be restricted to authorized personnel only. Additionally, the vulnerability permits arbitrary file deletion, which can result in data loss or system disruption. The most concerning aspect involves the ability to send GET requests to arbitrary URLs and retrieve the responses, creating a potential for server-side request forgery attacks that can be leveraged to access internal network resources or exfiltrate data from other systems. This functionality essentially transforms the application into a potential proxy for attacking internal infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with the capability to escalate privileges and potentially gain access to sensitive data stored within the server environment. The lack of available patches at the time of publication creates a particularly dangerous scenario where organizations cannot immediately remediate the issue through standard update procedures. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-22 (Improper Limitation of a Pathname to a Restricted Directory) and CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code) categories, as it allows for improper file path manipulation and code execution through API endpoints. The attack vector can be exploited to access configuration files, user credentials, database files, and other sensitive information that may be stored on the server.
Organizations utilizing Audiobookshelf should immediately implement compensating controls and security measures to mitigate the risk associated with this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategies include implementing network segmentation to limit access to the Audiobookshelf server, restricting user permissions to the minimum required for their roles, and monitoring API access logs for suspicious activity. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls to filter malicious requests and deploy intrusion detection systems to monitor for exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper access control implementation and input validation within web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content or administrative functions. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments of their self-hosted applications to identify similar vulnerabilities that may exist in other components of their infrastructure. This vulnerability highlights the critical need for regular security testing and patch management processes, especially for applications that serve as central repositories for sensitive media and user data.