CVE-2023-5786 in GeoWebCache
Summary
by MITRE • 10/26/2023
A vulnerability was found in GeoServer GeoWebCache up to 1.15.1. It has been declared as problematic. This vulnerability affects unknown code of the file /geoserver/gwc/rest.html. The manipulation leads to direct request. The attack can be initiated remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The identifier of this vulnerability is VDB-243592.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5786 represents a critical security flaw within GeoServer GeoWebCache version 1.15.1 and earlier, specifically impacting the /geoserver/gwc/rest.html endpoint. This issue falls under the category of improper access control, where an attacker can bypass authentication mechanisms to directly access restricted resources through a RESTful API interface. The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and authorization checks within the GeoWebCache component, creating an attack surface that allows malicious actors to exploit the system's REST API without proper credentials or permissions. The flaw exists in the web application's request handling logic, where the system fails to properly validate incoming requests before processing them, enabling unauthorized access to geospatial data and caching operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through remote attack vectors, where an attacker can craft malicious HTTP requests to the affected REST endpoint and gain access to sensitive geospatial information and caching functionalities. This direct request vulnerability enables attackers to perform unauthorized operations on the GeoWebCache system, potentially leading to data exposure, manipulation, or denial of service conditions. The attack requires no special privileges or local access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be executed from any network location with internet connectivity to the target system. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by the fact that it affects the core caching infrastructure of GeoServer, which typically handles large volumes of geospatial data requests and serves as a critical component in many mapping and geographic information systems.
The operational consequences of CVE-2023-5786 extend beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of geospatial datasets that organizations rely upon for critical operations. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive mapping data, manipulate cache configurations, or disrupt the normal operation of geographic information services. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploit public-facing application vulnerabilities. Organizations using GeoServer GeoWebCache may face regulatory compliance issues if sensitive geospatial data is exposed, as the vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to proprietary mapping information, environmental data, or infrastructure planning details. The public disclosure of this exploit further increases the risk exposure, as threat actors can readily implement the attack without requiring specialized knowledge or tools.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-5786 should prioritize immediate patching of affected GeoServer GeoWebCache installations to version 1.15.2 or later, which contains the necessary security fixes. Network administrators should implement additional security controls including firewall rules that restrict access to the /geoserver/gwc/rest.html endpoint, particularly when the service is exposed to untrusted networks. Organizations should also consider implementing authentication and authorization layers such as API gateways or reverse proxies that can provide additional protection against unauthorized access attempts. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the geospatial infrastructure stack. The vulnerability's classification as a direct request issue suggests that implementing proper input validation, request filtering, and access control mechanisms would prevent exploitation. Additionally, monitoring and logging of REST API access patterns should be enhanced to detect suspicious activities that may indicate attempted exploitation of this vulnerability.