CVE-2023-48641 in Archer
Summary
by MITRE • 12/12/2023
Archer Platform 6.x before 6.14 P1 HF2 (6.14.0.1.2) contains an insecure direct object reference vulnerability. An authenticated malicious user in a multi-instance installation could potentially exploit this vulnerability by manipulating application resource references in user requests to bypass authorization checks, in order to gain execute access to AWF application resources.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
The Archer Platform vulnerability CVE-2023-48641 represents a critical insecure direct object reference issue that affects versions 6.x prior to 6.14 P1 HF2. This vulnerability specifically targets multi-instance installations where authenticated malicious users can manipulate application resource references within their requests to bypass intended authorization controls. The flaw stems from improper validation of object references that should normally be restricted to authorized users, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to application resources. The vulnerability operates at the application logic level where direct object references are used without proper access control verification, allowing attackers to construct requests that target resources they should not have access to based on their authentication status.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-284, which describes inadequate access control mechanisms in software applications. The insecure direct object reference pattern creates a scenario where the application's authorization checks are bypassed through manipulation of object identifiers or resource paths. In Archer Platform's case, the malicious user can exploit this weakness by crafting requests that reference AWF application resources directly, circumventing the normal authorization flow that would typically validate user permissions before granting access. The impact is particularly severe in multi-instance environments where multiple users or applications share the same platform, as the vulnerability allows for cross-instance resource access that should be properly isolated.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-48641 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to execute arbitrary code within the application context. This vulnerability can be leveraged by malicious actors to gain deeper system access, manipulate application data, or potentially escalate privileges to administrative levels within the Archer Platform environment. The ability to execute access to AWF application resources means that attackers could potentially modify or retrieve sensitive data that should be restricted to authorized personnel only. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate access to systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patch for Archer Platform version 6.14 P1 HF2, which addresses the insecure direct object reference flaw through proper access control validation. Additionally, implementing request parameter validation and ensuring that all object references are properly authenticated and authorized before processing can prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. Network segmentation and monitoring of unusual access patterns can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation and access control implementation in multi-tenant applications where isolation between instances must be maintained to prevent privilege escalation attacks.