kiwi: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
CVE-2023-25156 is a critical-severity improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts vulnerability in kiwi from Kiwitcms, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 12.0 as the first without the flaw, so updating kiwi to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.91% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 61% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update kiwi to 12.0 or a later version.
- Update Kiwi Tcms to 12.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on github.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kiwitcms | kiwi | 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.0 | 12.0 |
| Kiwitcms | Kiwi Tcms | before 12.0 | 12.0 |
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
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- 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:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
Official description
Kiwi TCMS, an open source test management system, does not impose rate limits in versions prior to 12.0. This makes it easier to attempt brute-force attacks against the login page. Users should upgrade to v12.0 or later to receive a patch. As a workaround, users may install and configure a rate-limiting proxy in front of Kiwi TCMS.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
The product does not implement sufficient measures to prevent multiple failed authentication attempts within a short time frame.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Common protection mechanisms include: Disconnecting the user after a small number of failed attempts Implementing a timeout Locking out a targeted account Requiring a computational task on the user's part.
- Use a vetted library or framework that does not allow this weakness to occur or provides constructs that make this weakness easier to avoid. Consider using libraries with authentication capabilities such as OpenSSL or the ESAPI Authenticator.
More Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerabilities (CWE-307)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
Other references
- huntr.dev/bounties/2b1a9be9-45e9-490b-8de0-26a492e79795/Permissions Required
Other vulnerabilities in kiwi
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.0 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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