CVE-2023-38546: This flaw allows an attacker to insert cookies at will into a running program
using libcurl, if the specifi...
This flaw allows an attacker to insert cookies at will into a running program
using libcurl, if the specific series of conditions are met.
libcurl performs transfers. In its API, an application creates "easy handles"
that are the individual handles for single transfers.
libcurl provides a function call that duplicates en easy handle called
[curl_easy_duphandle](https://curl.se/libcurl/c/curl_easy_duphandle.html).
If a transfer has cookies enabled when the handle is duplicated, the
cookie-enable state is also cloned - but without cloning the actual
cookies. If the source handle did not read any cookies from a specific file on
disk, the cloned version of the handle would instead store the file name as
`none` (using the four ASCII letters, no quotes).
Subsequent use of the cloned handle that does not explicitly set a source to
load cookies from would then inadvertently load cookies from a file named
`none` - if such a file exists and is readable in the current directory of the
program using libcurl. And if using the correct file format of course.
Security readout for executives and security teams
Plain-English summary
This libcurl flaw can make an application accidentally load attacker-controlled cookies from a local file named "none". It only works when a narrow set of cookie and handle-duplication conditions are present. Business impact depends on whether affected software uses libcurl cookies for sensitive sessions or trust decisions.
Executive priority
Treat as a targeted dependency remediation item, not an emergency internet-wide incident based on supplied evidence. Prioritize systems where embedded libcurl handles authentication, sessions, or automated access to sensitive services.
Technical view
When curl_easy_duphandle duplicates an easy handle with cookies enabled, libcurl clones the cookie-enabled state without cloning cookies. If no cookie file was set, the duplicate may later treat "none" as a cookie file name and load readable cookies from the current working directory.
Likely exposure
Exposure is most likely in software embedding libcurl, enabling cookies, duplicating easy handles, and running where a readable file named "none" can exist in its working directory. General curl command-line use is not established as exposed by the supplied evidence.
Exploitation context
The source bundle does not cite active exploitation, and KEV is false. Exploitation appears conditional and local-file dependent: an attacker must be able to influence or place the cookie file and benefit from injected cookies in the target application.
Researcher notes
Key uncertainty is application context. The vulnerability requires duplicated easy handles, cookie state cloning, absent cookie source, and a readable file named "none" in the process working directory. Assess impact by tracing cookie use after handle duplication.
Mitigation direction
Update curl/libcurl according to vendor advisories.
Apply OS or product security updates from affected vendors.
Check vendor guidance before relying on configuration-only workarounds.
Avoid running affected applications from writable working directories.
Review applications that duplicate libcurl handles with cookies enabled.
Validation and detection
Inventory software and appliances that bundle libcurl or curl.
Identify libcurl versions referenced by vendor advisories.
Review code for curl_easy_duphandle with cookies enabled.
Check runtime working directories for writable file placement risk.
Confirm vendor patches are installed on managed endpoints and products.
Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.
Potential ATT&CK relevance
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CVE-2023-38546 mapping review
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