Enterprise: Weak Password Requirements
CVE-2023-49238 is a critical-severity weak password requirements vulnerability in Enterprise from Gradle, 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 2023.1 as the first without the flaw, so updating Enterprise to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.77% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 56% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Enterprise to 2023.1 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on security.gradle.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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gradle | Enterprise | before 2023.1 | 2023.1 |
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. 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 | 9.8 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.8 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
In Gradle Enterprise before 2023.1, a remote attacker may be able to gain access to a new installation (in certain installation scenarios) because of a non-unique initial system user password. Although this password must be changed upon the first login, it is possible that an attacker logs in before the legitimate administrator logs in.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Weak Password Requirements
The product does not require that users should have strong passwords.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Consider a second authentication factor beyond the password, which prevents the password from being a single point of failure. See CWE-308 for further information.
- Consider implementing a password complexity meter to inform users when a chosen password meets the required attributes.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Enterprise
- 7.1 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.1 High severity
Recent Weak Password Requirements vulnerabilities
- 8.1 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
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