CVE-2023-40017
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability in GeoNode's proxy endpoint. Attackers can exploit the `/proxy/?url=` endpoint to make unauthorized requests to internal network resources, potentially scanning ports and accessing sensitive internal systems. All GeoNode deployments running versions 3.2.0 through 4.1.2 are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- GeoNode
📦 What is this software?
Geonode by Geosolutionsgroup
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete internal network compromise through chained attacks, data exfiltration from internal services, or lateral movement to critical infrastructure.
Likely Case
Internal network reconnaissance, port scanning of internal hosts, and unauthorized access to internal web services or APIs.
If Mitigated
Limited to scanning accessible internal services without authentication, potentially revealing network topology.
🎯 Exploit Status
SSRF vulnerabilities are commonly exploited with simple HTTP requests. No authentication is required to access the vulnerable endpoint.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 4.1.3 or apply commit a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/GeoNode/geonode/security/advisories/GHSA-rmxg-6qqf-x8mr
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Update GeoNode to version 4.1.3 or later. 2. Alternatively, apply the patch from commit a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9. 3. Restart the GeoNode service after patching.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Proxy Endpoint
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable /proxy/ endpoint if immediate patching isn't possible.
# Modify GeoNode configuration to remove or disable proxy endpoint
# Exact commands depend on deployment method (Docker, manual, etc.)
Network Access Control
linuxImplement network-level restrictions to limit outbound connections from GeoNode server.
# Configure firewall rules to restrict outbound connections
# Example: iptables -A OUTPUT -p tcp --dport 80 -j DROP
# Adjust based on required external services
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate GeoNode from internal networks.
- Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) with SSRF protection rules.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Test if the /proxy/?url= endpoint accepts internal IP addresses or localhost URLs. Example: curl 'http://geonode-server/proxy/?url=http://127.0.0.1:22'Check Version:
Check GeoNode version via admin interface or run: python -c "import geonode; print(geonode.__version__)"Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, test that internal URL requests are blocked. Example: curl 'http://geonode-server/proxy/?url=http://127.0.0.1' should return an error.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual requests to /proxy/ endpoint with internal IPs
- Multiple failed proxy requests to different ports
- Requests to known internal services from GeoNode server
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from GeoNode server to internal network ranges
- Port scanning patterns originating from GeoNode server
SIEM Query:
source="geonode-access.log" AND uri_path="/proxy/" AND (dst_ip=10.0.0.0/8 OR dst_ip=172.16.0.0/12 OR dst_ip=192.168.0.0/16 OR dst_ip=127.0.0.0/8)🔗 References
- https://github.com/GeoNode/geonode/commit/a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9
- https://github.com/GeoNode/geonode/security/advisories/GHSA-rmxg-6qqf-x8mr
- https://github.com/GeoNode/geonode/commit/a9eebae80cb362009660a1fd49e105e7cdb499b9
- https://github.com/GeoNode/geonode/security/advisories/GHSA-rmxg-6qqf-x8mr
