CVE-2023-28444
CVE-2023-28444
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- None
- User Interaction
- None
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- Low
- Availability
- Low
Description
angular-server-side-configuration helps configure an angular application at runtime on the server or in a docker container via environment variables. angular-server-side-configuration detects used environment variables in TypeScript (.ts) files during build time of an Angular CLI project. The detected environment variables are written to a ngssc.json file in the output directory. During deployment of an Angular based app, the environment variables based on the variables from ngssc.json are inserted into the apps index.html (or defined index file). With version 15.0.0 the environment variable detection was widened to the entire project, relative to the angular.json file from the Angular CLI. In a monorepo setup, this could lead to environment variables intended for a backend/service to be detected and written to the ngssc.json, which would then be populated and exposed via index.html. This has NO IMPACT, in a plain Angular project that has no backend component. This vulnerability has been mitigated in version 15.1.0, by adding an option `searchPattern` which restricts the detection file range by default. As a workaround, manually edit or create ngssc.json or run script after ngssc.json generation.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2023-28444
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2023-28444 CVSS Score: 9.9
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9.9 indicates a critical vulnerability. This high score is due to the potential for unauthorized access to sensitive information, which can lead to significant security breaches. The vulnerability arises from the unintended exposure of environment variables, which may include sensitive data such as API keys, database credentials, and other configuration details.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Information Disclosure: An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to gain access to sensitive environment variables that are inadvertently exposed in the
index.htmlfile of an Angular application. - Configuration Manipulation: By manipulating the
ngssc.jsonfile, an attacker could inject malicious environment variables, leading to further exploitation.
Exploitation Methods:
- Static Analysis: An attacker could perform static analysis on the
index.htmlfile to extract sensitive information. - Dynamic Analysis: By deploying a compromised version of the application, an attacker could dynamically analyze the environment variables being used.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Systems:
- Angular applications using the
angular-server-side-configurationpackage. - Monorepo setups where the Angular project coexists with backend services.
Affected Software Versions:
angular-server-side-configurationversions prior to 15.1.0.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Mitigation:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to
angular-server-side-configurationversion 15.1.0 or later, which includes a fix that restricts the detection file range by default. - Manual Intervention: Manually edit or create the
ngssc.jsonfile to ensure only the necessary environment variables are included.
Long-Term Mitigation:
- Code Review: Conduct thorough code reviews to ensure that environment variables are handled securely.
- Environment Segregation: Separate frontend and backend environment variables to minimize the risk of exposure.
- Regular Audits: Perform regular security audits to identify and mitigate similar vulnerabilities.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Implications:
- Data Breaches: The exposure of sensitive environment variables can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access, and potential financial losses.
- Reputation Damage: Organizations relying on Angular applications may face reputational damage if sensitive information is leaked.
- Compliance Issues: Non-compliance with data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) can result in legal penalties.
Broader Impact:
- Supply Chain Security: Highlights the importance of securing third-party libraries and dependencies.
- DevOps Practices: Emphasizes the need for secure DevOps practices, including environment variable management and secure configuration.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- Detection Mechanism: The vulnerability stems from the widened detection of environment variables in version 15.0.0, which includes the entire project relative to the
angular.jsonfile. - Exposure Point: The detected environment variables are written to
ngssc.jsonand subsequently populated in theindex.htmlfile, leading to potential exposure.
Mitigation Details:
- Search Pattern Option: Version 15.1.0 introduces the
searchPatternoption, which restricts the detection file range by default, mitigating the risk of unintended exposure. - Workaround: As a temporary workaround, manually edit or create the
ngssc.jsonfile to control the environment variables being included.
References:
Conclusion: CVE-2023-28444 underscores the critical importance of secure configuration management in modern web applications. Organizations must prioritize the secure handling of environment variables and regularly update their dependencies to mitigate such vulnerabilities. By adopting best practices in DevOps and conducting regular security audits, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of similar vulnerabilities in the future.