Expo AuthSession module: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
CVE-2023-28131 is a critical-severity insufficiently protected credentials vulnerability in Expo AuthSession module from Expo.io, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.6 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 23.2% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is in the top 2.2% of all scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Expo Software Development Kit to 48.0.0 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on blog.expo.dev 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.
- 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
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expo.io | Expo AuthSession module | Not specified in the record | Not stated |
| Expo | Expo Software Development Kit | 45.0.0 up to, but not including, 48.0.0 | 48.0.0 |
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
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- ChangedThe attack can reach beyond the vulnerable component into other systems.
- 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:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.6 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.6 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
A vulnerability in the expo.io framework allows an attacker to take over accounts and steal credentials on an application/website that configured the "Expo AuthSession Redirect Proxy" for social sign-in. This can be achieved once a victim clicks a malicious link. The link itself may be sent to the victim in various ways (including email, text message, an attacker-controlled website, etc).
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Insufficiently Protected Credentials
The product transmits or stores authentication credentials, but it uses an insecure method that is susceptible to unauthorized interception and/or retrieval.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an appropriate security mechanism to protect the credentials.
- Make appropriate use of cryptography to protect the credentials.
- Use industry standards to protect the credentials (e.g. LDAP, keystore, etc.).
More Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities (CWE-522)
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Advisories
- blog.expo.dev/security-advisory-for-developers-using-authsessions-useproxy-options-and-auth-expo-io-e470fe934…Mitigation, Third Party Advisory
Other references
Recent Insufficiently Protected Credentials vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
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