CVE-2023-40021

Oppia is an online learning platform. When comparing a received CSRF token against the expected token, Oppia uses the string equality operator (`==`), which is not safe against timing attacks. By repeatedly submitting invalid tokens, an attacker can brute-force the expected CSRF token character by character. Once they have recovered the token, they can then submit a forged request on behalf of a logged-in user and execute privileged actions on that user's behalf. In particular the function to validate received CSRF tokens is at `oppia.core.controllers.base.CsrfTokenManager.is_csrf_token_valid`. An attacker who can lure a logged-in Oppia user to a malicious website can perform any change on Oppia that the user is authorized to do, including changing profile information; creating, deleting, and changing explorations; etc. Note that the attacker cannot change a user's login credentials. An attack would need to complete within 1 second because every second, the time used in computing the token changes. This issue has been addressed in commit `b89bf80837` which has been included in release `3.3.2-hotfix-2`. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
Configurations

Configuration 1 (hide)

OR cpe:2.3:a:oppia:oppia:*:*:*:*:*:*:*:*
cpe:2.3:a:oppia:oppia:3.3.2:-:*:*:*:*:*:*

History

16 Aug 2023, 21:15

Type Values Removed Values Added
New CVE

Information

Published : 2023-08-16 21:15

Updated : 2024-02-05 00:01


NVD link : CVE-2023-40021

Mitre link : CVE-2023-40021

CVE.ORG link : CVE-2023-40021


JSON object : View

Products Affected

oppia

  • oppia
CWE
CWE-203

Observable Discrepancy

CWE-208

Observable Timing Discrepancy