Critical Path Traversal Vulnerability CVE-2023-41266 in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows: Immediate Patch Required

Executive Summary

CVE-2023-41266 is a critical path traversal vulnerability identified in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows, affecting versions May 2023 Patch 3 and earlier, and February 2023 Patch 7 and earlier. This vulnerability, with a CVSS score of 9.8, arises from improper validation of user input, allowing remote, unauthenticated attackers to traverse directories on the server and potentially execute arbitrary code. The vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild, making it imperative for organizations to apply the necessary patches immediately.

Technical Information

CVE-2023-41266 is a path traversal vulnerability that affects Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows. The vulnerability is due to improper validation of user input, which can be exploited by remote, unauthenticated attackers to traverse directories on the server. This can potentially lead to the execution of arbitrary code, compromising the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the affected systems.

The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical nature. The affected versions include May 2023 Patch 3 and earlier, and February 2023 Patch 7 and earlier. The vulnerability was first identified and reported by security researchers who discovered that the improper validation of user input could be leveraged to perform unauthorized actions on the server.

The technical details of the vulnerability are as follows:

• Vulnerability ID: CVE-2023-41266
• Vulnerability Type: Path Traversal
• Affected Product: Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows
• Affected Versions: May 2023 Patch 3 and earlier, February 2023 Patch 7 and earlier
• CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
• NVD Link: CVE-2023-41266 Detail - NVD

The vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate file paths and access files and directories outside the intended directory structure. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive files, data leakage, and potentially the execution of malicious code on the server.

Exploitation in the Wild

According to multiple sources, including Qlik and CISA, CVE-2023-41266 has been actively exploited in the wild. Malicious actors have been reported to use this vulnerability to perform unauthorized actions, including remote code execution. The exploitation of this vulnerability has been observed in various cyber attacks, where attackers have leveraged the path traversal flaw to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and execute arbitrary code on the affected systems.

For instance, the CISA Alert on this vulnerability highlights its active exploitation and the need for immediate patching. The Qlik Security Bulletin also provides detailed information on the critical security fixes released to address this vulnerability.

• CISA Alert: CISA Adds Two Known Exploited Vulnerabilities to Catalog
• Qlik Security Bulletin: Critical Security fixes for Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows

APT Groups using this vulnerability

While specific APT groups exploiting CVE-2023-41266 have not been publicly identified, the nature of the vulnerability makes it a potential target for various threat actors seeking to gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems. The vulnerability's critical nature and the potential for remote code execution make it an attractive target for APT groups looking to compromise high-value targets.

Affected Product Versions

The following versions of Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows are affected by CVE-2023-41266:

• May 2023 Patch 3 and earlier
• February 2023 Patch 7 and earlier

Organizations using these versions are strongly advised to apply the necessary patches immediately to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Workaround and Mitigation

To mitigate the risk of exploitation, Qlik has released patches to address CVE-2023-41266. It is crucial for organizations using Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows to apply these patches immediately. The patches can be obtained from the Qlik Customer Portal.

In addition to applying patches, organizations should implement the following best practices to enhance their security posture:

• Regularly update and patch all software and systems to address known vulnerabilities.
• Implement robust access controls to limit unauthorized access to sensitive data and systems.
• Monitor network traffic and system logs for signs of suspicious activity.

• Conduct regular security assessments and vulnerability scans to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

• Patch Information: Qlik Customer Portal

References

1. CVE-2023-41266 Detail - NVD
2. Arctic Wolf Blog on CVE-2023-41266
3. Qlik Community - Critical Security fixes for Qlik Sense Enterprise
4. Praetorian Blog - ZeroQlik: Achieving Unauthenticated Remote Code Execution via Path Traversal
5. CISA Alert on Known Exploited Vulnerabilities
6. Recorded Future Vulnerability Database

Rescana is here for you

At Rescana, we understand the critical importance of protecting your organization from emerging cybersecurity threats. Our Continuous Threat and Exposure Management (CTEM) platform is designed to help you identify, assess, and mitigate vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-41266. We provide comprehensive threat intelligence, real-time monitoring, and actionable insights to enhance your security posture and protect your valuable assets.

If you have any questions about this report or any other issue, please do not hesitate to contact us at ops@rescana.com. We are here to help you navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity and ensure the safety and security of your organization.