authentik: Improper Authentication
CVE-2023-48228 is a critical-severity improper authentication vulnerability in authentik from Goauthentik, 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. Affected authentik versions: < 2023.10.4; < 2023.8.5. The record does not name a fixed version, so check the vendor advisory. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 1.25% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 70% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Check which version of authentik you run against the affected versions below, and install the vendor's latest release.
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goauthentik | authentik | < 2023.10.4; < 2023.8.5 | Not stated |
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
authentik is an open-source identity provider. When initialising a oauth2 flow with a `code_challenge` and `code_method` (thus requesting PKCE), the single sign-on provider (authentik) must check if there is a matching and existing `code_verifier` during the token step. Prior to versions 2023.10.4 and 2023.8.5, authentik checks if the contents of `code_verifier` is matching only when it is provided. When it is left out completely, authentik simply accepts the token request with out it; even when the flow was started with a `code_challenge`. authentik 2023.8.5 and 2023.10.4 fix this issue.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/3af77ab3821fe9c7df8055ba5eade3d1ecea03a6
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/6b9afed21f7c39f171a4a445654cfe415bba37d5
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/commit/b88e39411c12e3f9e04125a7887f12354f760a14
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7666
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7668
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/pull/7669
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/releases/tag/version%2F2023.10.4Release Notes
- github.com/goauthentik/authentik/releases/tag/version%2F2023.8.5Release Notes
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in authentik
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.4 High severity
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 8.9 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 9.8 Critical severity
ownCloud Improper Authentication Exploited
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
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