CVE-2023-50260: Wazuh's vulnerability in host_deny AR script allows arbitrary command execution

Published Apr 19, 2024
·
Updated

Wazuh is a free and open source platform used for threat prevention, detection, and response. A wrong validation in the hostdeny script allows to write any string in the hosts.deny file, which can end in an arbitrary command execution on the target system. This vulnerability is part of the active response feature, which can automatically triggers actions in response to alerts. By default, active responses are limited to a set of pre defined executables. This is enforced by only allowing executables stored under /var/ossec/active-response/bin to be run as an active response. However, the /var/ossec/active-response/bin/hostdeny can be exploited. hostdeny is used to add IP address to the /etc/hosts.deny file to block incoming connections on a service level by using TCP wrappers. Attacker can inject arbitrary command into the /etc/hosts.deny file and execute arbitrary command by using the spawn directive. The active response can be triggered by writing events either to the local execd queue on server or to the ar queue which forwards the events to agents. So, it can leads to LPE on server as root and RCE on agent as root. This vulnerability is fixed in 4.7.2.

Affected Software

1 affected component
Wazuh Wazuh>=4.2.0<4.7.2

Event History

Apr 19, 2024
CVE Published
via MITRE·02:28 PM
Data Sourced
via MITRE·02:28 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Data Sourced
via NVD·03:15 PM
DescriptionSeverityWeakness
Free Weekly Intel

Don't miss critical vulnerabilities

Join thousands of security professionals who receive our weekly digest of trending CVEs, zero-days, and exploited vulnerabilities.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

1

What is the severity of CVE-2023-50260?

CVE-2023-50260 has been classified with a high severity due to its potential for arbitrary command execution.

2

How do I fix CVE-2023-50260?

To fix CVE-2023-50260, ensure that you update Wazuh to a version later than 4.7.2 or implement proper input validation for the host_deny script.

3

What systems are affected by CVE-2023-50260?

CVE-2023-50260 affects Wazuh versions between 4.2.0 and 4.7.2 inclusive.

4

What type of threat does CVE-2023-50260 pose?

CVE-2023-50260 poses a threat of arbitrary command execution on the target system if exploited.

5

Can CVE-2023-50260 be exploited remotely?

Yes, CVE-2023-50260 can potentially be exploited remotely due to the improper validation in the host_deny script.

Contact

SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
132 Wickham Terrace
Fortitude Valley,
QLD 4006, Australia
info@secalerts.co
By using SecAlerts services, you agree to our services end-user license agreement. This website is safeguarded by reCAPTCHA and governed by the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. All names, logos, and brands of products are owned by their respective owners, and any usage of these names, logos, and brands for identification purposes only does not imply endorsement. If you possess any content that requires removal, please get in touch with us.
© 2026 SecAlerts Pty Ltd.
ABN: 70 645 966 203, ACN: 645 966 203