External risk intelligence

EMSigner Password Reset Account Access Vulnerability

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2023-43902

EMSigner is a digital signature and document signing solution often deployed as a web-based application to facilitate external document workflows. Because the vulnerability exists within the password reset functionality of this web application, it is commonly exposed as an internet-facing service to allow users to manage their accounts remotely.

Emudhra Emsigner

2.8.7

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

An unauthenticated vulnerability in a password reset function of EMSigner software could allow unauthorized access to all user accounts, including those with administrator privileges. This issue stems from incorrect access control that can be exploited via a crafted password reset token.

  • Unauthenticated users can access all accounts.
  • Protects sensitive data and administrative functions.
  • Confirm if EMSigner 2.8.7 is in use.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can target the password reset feature of EMSigner to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. This can be achieved by manipulating the password reset token, potentially allowing the attacker to impersonate any user, including administrators.

  • No authentication required.
  • Exploits password reset token.
  • Leads to full account compromise.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

Incorrect access control in the password reset function of EMSigner, when accessible online, could allow unauthenticated attackers to gain access to any user account, including administrator accounts, by manipulating password reset tokens.

  • All registered user accounts, including administrators.
  • Via crafted password reset tokens.
  • Unauthorized account access.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

The critical vulnerability in EMSigner's password reset function requires immediate attention from teams managing the application and its infrastructure. The first practical step is to identify all instances of EMSigner, confirm their internet accessibility and business criticality, and then assign ownership for remediation planning.

  • Application owners must drive remediation.
  • Verify internet exposure and business impact.
  • Plan immediate mitigation or patching.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is EMSigner software?

EMSigner is a digital signature and document signing platform developed by eMudhra. It is frequently deployed as a web-based application to streamline document workflows and legal signing processes for organizations. Because it handles sensitive signatures and administrative tasks, it often serves as a centralized hub for identity and document management within an enterprise.

What does CWE-276 mean for CVE-2023-43902?

CWE-276 refers to 'Incorrect Default Permissions' or improper access control. In the context of this CVE, it means the password reset mechanism does not correctly enforce security checks. Instead of verifying that a user has the right to change a password, the system trusts a manipulated token provided by an outsider, allowing them to bypass authentication entirely.

How do attackers trigger this EMSigner vulnerability?

An attacker triggers this flaw by interacting with the 'Forgot Your Password' function using a specifically crafted password reset token. Crucially, the attacker does not need to have a pre-existing account or login credentials to initiate this request. If the token is successfully forged or manipulated, the system incorrectly grants the attacker access to any account on the platform, including those with full administrator privileges.

Is my EMSigner instance at risk?

According to Halo Surface Signal, this vulnerability is particularly relevant if your EMSigner instance is internet-facing. Because the bug resides in a remote account management feature, web-accessible installations allow attackers to attempt exploitation from anywhere. Instances restricted to internal-only networks are less reachable, but still require assessment if they are accessible to untrusted internal segments.

How should I respond to this threat?

Start by identifying every instance of EMSigner version 2.8.7 currently active in your environment. Once identified, evaluate the network accessibility of these servers to determine if they are exposed to the public internet. Coordinate with the teams responsible for these specific application instances to prioritize remediation and ensure that administrative oversight is maintained while planning your patching or mitigation strategy.

References