security-advisories: Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts
CVE-2023-28847 is a high-severity improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts vulnerability in security-advisories from Nextcloud, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 7.5 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. Affected security-advisories versions: >= 23.0.0, < 23.0.12.6; >= 24.0.0, < 24.0.11; >= 25.0.0, < 25.0.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Nextcloud Server to 23.0.12.6 or 24.0.11 or 25.0.5, whichever matches your release line, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nextcloud | security-advisories | >= 23.0.0, < 23.0.12.6; >= 24.0.0, < 24.0.11; >= 25.0.0, < 25.0.5 | Not stated |
| Nextcloud | Nextcloud Server | 23.0.0 up to, but not including, 23.0.12.6; 24.0.0 up to, but not including, 24.0.11; 25.0.0 up to, but not including, 25.0.5 | 23.0.12.6, 24.0.11, 25.0.5 |
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
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- NoneAvailability is not affected.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 3.1 | Low | CNA (github.com) |
| CVSS 3.1 | 7.5 | High | NVD |
Official description
Nextcloud Server is the file server software for Nextcloud, a self-hosted productivity platform. In Nextcloud Server 24.0.0 prior to 24.0.11 and 25.0.0 prior to 25.0.5; as well as Nextcloud Server Enterprise 23.0.0 prior to 23.0.12.6, 24.0.0 prior to 24.0.11, and 25.0.0 prior to 25.0.5; an attacker is not restricted in verifying passwords of share links so they can just start brute forcing the password. Nextcloud Server 24.0.11 and 25.0.5 and Nextcloud Enterprise Server 23.0.12.6, 24.0.11, and 25.0.5 contain a fix for this issue. No known workarounds are available.
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: no, technical impact: partial).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/nextcloud/server/pull/35057Issue Tracking
Technical write-ups (may include proof of concept)
- hackerone.com/reports/1894653Exploit, Issue Tracking, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in security-advisories
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Improper Restriction of Excessive Authentication Attempts vulnerabilities
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
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