Apache Pulsar 2.x/3.x SASL Auth Timing Leak Allowing Forged Role Token
CVE-2023-51437 Published on February 7, 2024
Apache Pulsar: Timing attack in SASL token signature verification
Observable timing discrepancy vulnerability in Apache Pulsar SASL Authentication Provider can allow an attacker to forge a SASL Role Token that will pass signature verification.
Users are recommended to upgrade to version 2.11.3, 3.0.2, or 3.1.1 which fixes the issue. Users should also consider updating the configured secret in the `saslJaasServerRoleTokenSignerSecretPath` file.
Any component matching an above version running the SASL Authentication Provider is affected. That includes the Pulsar Broker, Proxy, Websocket Proxy, or Function Worker.
2.11 Pulsar users should upgrade to at least 2.11.3.
3.0 Pulsar users should upgrade to at least 3.0.2.
3.1 Pulsar users should upgrade to at least 3.1.1.
Any users running Pulsar 2.8, 2.9, 2.10, and earlier should upgrade to one of the above patched versions.
For additional details on this attack vector, please refer to https://codahale.com/a-lesson-in-timing-attacks/ .
Vulnerability Analysis
CVE-2023-51437 can be exploited with network access, and does not require authorization privileges or user interaction. This vulnerability is consided to have a high level of attack complexity. The potential impact of an exploit of this vulnerability is considered to have a high impact on confidentiality and integrity, and no impact on availability.
Weakness Type
What is a Side Channel Attack Vulnerability?
The product behaves differently or sends different responses under different circumstances in a way that is observable to an unauthorized actor, which exposes security-relevant information about the state of the product, such as whether a particular operation was successful or not. Discrepancies can take many forms, and variations may be detectable in timing, control flow, communications such as replies or requests, or general behavior. These discrepancies can reveal information about the product's operation or internal state to an unauthorized actor. In some cases, discrepancies can be used by attackers to form a side channel.
CVE-2023-51437 has been classified to as a Side Channel Attack vulnerability or weakness.
Products Associated with CVE-2023-51437
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Affected Versions
Apache Software Foundation Apache Pulsar:- Before and including 2.10.5 is affected.
- Version 2.11.0, <= 2.11.2 is affected.
- Version 3.0.0, <= 3.0.1 is affected.
- Version 3.1.0 is affected.
Exploit Probability
EPSS (Exploit Prediction Scoring System) scores estimate the probability that a vulnerability will be exploited in the wild within the next 30 days. The percentile shows you how this score compares to all other vulnerabilities.