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CVE-2023-22643NVD status: Modified

SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command

CVE-2023-22643 is a high-severity improper neutralization of special elements used in an OS command vulnerability in SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3 from SUSE, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.8 out of 10. It can be exploited with local access to the system by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists version 1.0.1+git.20180426 as the first without the flaw, so updating SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3 to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.45% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 85% of scored CVEs.

Next patch cycle

High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.

What to do

  1. Update SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3 to 1.0.1+git.20180426 or a later version.
  2. Update openSUSE Leap 15.4 to 1.0.1+git.20180426 or a later version.
  3. Update Libzypp-plugin-appdata to 1.0.1\+git.20180426 or a later version.
  4. Read the advisory on bugzilla.suse.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
  5. Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.

Affected products and versions

VendorProductAffected versionsFixed in
SUSESUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3libzypp-plugin-appdata up to, but not including, 1.0.1+git.201804261.0.1+git.20180426
openSUSEopenSUSE Leap 15.4libzypp-plugin-appdata up to, but not including, 1.0.1+git.201804261.0.1+git.20180426
openSUSELibzypp-plugin-appdatabefore 1.0.1\+git.201804261.0.1\+git.20180426

Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.

How the severity score breaks down

Attack vector
LocalThe attacker needs local access or must trick a user into running something.
Attack complexity
LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
Privileges required
NoneNo account or login is needed.
User interaction
RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
Scope
UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
Confidentiality
HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
Integrity
HighData or code can be modified at will.
Availability
HighThe component can be taken down completely.

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.

Scoring systemScoreSeverityScored by
CVSS 3.16.3MediumCNA (suse.de)
CVSS 3.17.8HighNVD

Official description

An Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection') vulnerability in libzypp-plugin-appdata of SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3; openSUSE Leap 15.4 allows attackers that can trick users to use specially crafted REPO_ALIAS, REPO_TYPE or REPO_METADATA_PATH settings to execute code as root. This issue affects: SUSE Linux Enterprise Server for SAP 15-SP3 libzypp-plugin-appdata versions prior to 1.0.1+git.20180426. openSUSE Leap 15.4 libzypp-plugin-appdata versions prior to 1.0.1+git.20180426.

Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.

The underlying weakness: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command

The product constructs all or part of an OS command using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify the intended OS command before it is sent to a downstream component.

How developers prevent this class of flaw

  • If at all possible, use library calls rather than external processes to recreate the desired functionality.
  • For any data that will be used to generate a command to be executed, keep as much of that data out of external control as possible. For example, in web applications, this may require storing the data locally in the session's state instead of sending it out to the client in a hidden form field.
  • For any security checks that are performed on the client side, ensure that these checks are duplicated on the server side, in order to avoid CWE-602. Attackers can bypass the client-side checks by modifying values after the checks have been performed, or by changing the client to remove the client-side checks entirely. Then, these modified values would be submitted to the server.

More Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities (CWE-78)

Timeline

  1. CVE record published.
  2. CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
  3. Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).

References

Advisories

Recent Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command vulnerabilities

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