CVE-2024-24566 in lobe-chat
Summary
by MITRE • 01/31/2024
Lobe Chat is a chatbot framework that supports speech synthesis, multimodal, and extensible Function Call plugin system. When the application is password-protected (deployed with the `ACCESS_CODE` option), it is possible to access plugins without proper authorization (without password). This vulnerability is patched in 0.122.4.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/31/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-24566 affects Lobe Chat, a comprehensive chatbot framework designed to support speech synthesis, multimodal interactions, and extensible function call plugin systems. This framework is commonly deployed in enterprise environments where security controls such as password protection are implemented to restrict access to sensitive functionalities. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application is configured with the ACCESS_CODE option for password protection, creating a scenario where unauthorized access to plugin functionalities becomes possible despite the authentication mechanism being in place.
The technical flaw resides in the authorization logic of the Lobe Chat framework where the password protection mechanism fails to properly enforce access controls for plugin functionalities. When the application operates with the ACCESS_CODE option enabled, the system incorrectly allows users to access plugins without providing the required authentication credentials. This represents a critical breakdown in the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a clear authorization bypass vulnerability that undermines the security posture of the protected system. The flaw essentially creates a backdoor pathway through which unauthorized users can exploit plugin capabilities that should only be accessible to authenticated administrators or authorized personnel.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows attackers to bypass the intended access controls and gain unauthorized access to plugin functionalities within the chatbot framework. This could potentially enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary code through plugin interfaces, access sensitive data processed by the chatbot, or manipulate the underlying system through the extended function call capabilities. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on Lobe Chat for secure communications and automated workflows, potentially exposing their systems to unauthorized access and data breaches. The exposure of plugin functionalities without proper authentication creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and conduct further reconnaissance or exploitation activities within the compromised environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patch application to version 0.122.4, which contains the necessary fixes to address the authorization bypass issue. Organizations should also implement additional security measures such as network segmentation to limit access to the Lobe Chat application, regular security assessments to identify similar authorization flaws, and monitoring of access logs to detect unauthorized plugin usage attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-285, which covers improper authorization issues, and may be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, depending on how attackers exploit the vulnerability. System administrators should conduct thorough access control reviews and ensure that all authentication mechanisms are properly validated before granting access to sensitive plugin functionalities, while also implementing principle of least privilege controls to minimize potential damage from such authorization bypass scenarios.