External risk intelligence

Qlik Sense Privilege Escalation via HTTP Tunneling

CVE advisoryKnown Exploit

CVE-2023-41265

An HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows allows attackers to escalate privileges. This could enable unauthorized command execution on the backend server, impacting data and operations. Affected organizations should apply vendor updates.

4Halo Surface Signal

Qlik Sense

august_2022february_2023may_2023november_2022

External exposure likelihood

Halo Surface Signal score for CVE-2023-41265

Qlik Sense Enterprise is commonly deployed as an internet-facing business intelligence and analytics web application. As a server-based platform designed for data accessibility, it often features web-accessible interfaces that are reachable from the network, making the application surface commonly exposed in real-world enterprise deployments.

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows contains a vulnerability that allows unauthorized access and modification of backend server operations. This flaw enables a remote attacker to escalate their privileges by tunneling HTTP requests. Such an action could lead to the execution of commands on the server, potentially compromising data and business operations.

  • Vulnerable Qlik Sense component
  • HTTP request tunneling flaw
  • Compromised data and operations

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows allows an attacker to execute requests on the backend server. This occurs when an attacker can send specially crafted HTTP requests that are tunneled through the application. The vulnerability enables an unauthenticated attacker to bypass security controls and potentially gain elevated privileges or access sensitive data. The issue is addressed in updated versions of the software.

  • Vulnerable software exposed externally.
  • Attacker sends tunneled HTTP requests.
  • Resulting in backend server command execution.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

An HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows allows for privilege escalation by tunneling HTTP requests to the backend server. This could enable unauthorized execution of commands. The issue is addressed in later patches and releases.

  • Likely attacker skill level: Low.
  • Required access or conditions: Network access to the application.
  • Business risk or urgency: High.

Priority actions

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

An HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows allows remote attackers to elevate privileges by tunneling HTTP requests. This allows attackers to send requests that are executed by the backend server. Organizations should address this critical vulnerability to protect against unauthorized access and potential data compromise.

  • Identify Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows installations.
  • Reduce exposure of affected systems.
  • Apply vendor updates, verify, and monitor.

Frequently asked questions

What is Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows and what vulnerability does it contain?

Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows is a business intelligence and analytics platform. It has an HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability (CWE-444) that allows remote attackers to escalate privileges by tunneling HTTP requests. This could lead to the execution of commands on the backend server.

What is HTTP Request Tunneling (CWE-444)?

HTTP Request Tunneling (CWE-444) is a weakness where an attacker can disguise malicious HTTP requests as legitimate ones. This allows them to bypass security checks and potentially send commands to the server, leading to unauthorized actions.

How can an attacker exploit the HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense?

An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted HTTP requests that are tunneled through Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows. This bypasses security controls, enabling the attacker to execute commands on the backend server hosting the repository application and potentially gain elevated privileges.

What is the significance of CVE-2023-41265 concerning Qlik Sense?

CVE-2023-41265 describes a critical HTTP Request Tunneling vulnerability in Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows, affecting multiple versions prior to August 2023 IR. This vulnerability allows for privilege escalation and unauthorized command execution on the server.

What steps should be taken to address the Qlik Sense vulnerability?

Organizations should identify all Qlik Sense Enterprise for Windows installations, assess the exposure of affected systems, and apply vendor-supplied updates. Verifying the successful implementation of these updates and ongoing monitoring are crucial to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and data compromise.

References