CVE-2024-23345 in Nautobot
Summary
by MITRE • 01/23/2024
Nautobot is a Network Source of Truth and Network Automation Platform built as a web application. All users of Nautobot versions earlier than 1.6.10 or 2.1.2 are potentially impacted by a cross-site scripting vulnerability. Due to inadequate input sanitization, any user-editable fields that support Markdown rendering, including are potentially susceptible to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via maliciously crafted data. This issue is fixed in Nautobot versions 1.6.10 and 2.1.2.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/16/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-23345 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the Nautobot network automation platform, affecting versions prior to 1.6.10 and 2.1.2. This issue stems from insufficient input sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly validate and sanitize user-provided data before rendering it within the web interface. Nautobot, as a Network Source of Truth and Automation Platform, processes extensive user input through various editable fields that support Markdown rendering, creating multiple potential attack vectors for malicious actors to exploit.
The technical flaw manifests when users interact with editable fields that accept Markdown content, which are commonly used for documentation, notes, and configuration descriptions within network automation environments. The inadequate sanitization process allows attackers to inject malicious JavaScript code or other harmful payloads through these user-editable fields. When the system renders the Markdown content without proper validation, the injected scripts execute within the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data exfiltration, or unauthorized administrative actions. This vulnerability specifically aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a weakness where untrusted data is incorporated into web pages without proper validation or escaping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it compromises the integrity and security of the entire network automation platform. Attackers could exploit this weakness to escalate privileges, access sensitive network configurations, or manipulate automated workflows that rely on Nautobot's data. In enterprise environments where Nautobot serves as a central source of truth for network operations, such an attack could lead to significant operational disruptions and potential security breaches. The vulnerability affects all users of affected versions, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where different personnel may have varying levels of access and privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-23345 primarily involve upgrading to the patched versions 1.6.10 or 2.1.2, which implement proper input sanitization and validation mechanisms. Organizations should also consider implementing additional defensive measures including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments of user-editable fields. The fix addresses the core issue by ensuring that all user-provided data undergoes rigorous sanitization before Markdown rendering, preventing malicious payloads from executing within the application context. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1213, which covers data from information repositories, emphasizing the need for robust sanitization of user inputs in network automation platforms.