CVE-2023-47004 is a high-severity buffer overflow vulnerability affecting RedisGraph versions 2.x through 2.12.8. RedisGraph is a graph database module for Redis, widely used for managing and querying graph data structures. The vulnerability arises from improper handling of memory buffers within the RedisGraph code logic, which can be exploited after an attacker has successfully authenticated to the Redis instance. Specifically, this buffer overflow (classified under CWE-787 and CWE-120) allows an attacker with valid credentials to execute arbitrary code remotely, potentially leading to full system compromise. The vulnerability does not require user interaction beyond authentication, and the attack vector is network-based (AV:N), with low attack complexity (AC:L). The scope is unchanged (S:U), meaning the impact is confined to the vulnerable component but can affect confidentiality, integrity, and availability at a high level (C:H/I:H/A:H). The flaw was addressed and fixed in RedisGraph version 2.12.9. No known exploits are currently reported in the wild, but the high CVSS score (8.8) indicates significant risk if exploited. Given RedisGraph’s role in critical data processing and caching in enterprise environments, exploitation could lead to data breaches, service disruption, or lateral movement within networks.

For European organizations, the impact of this vulnerability could be substantial, especially for those relying on RedisGraph for critical applications such as financial services, telecommunications, healthcare, and government data management. Successful exploitation could lead to unauthorized data access, data corruption, or denial of service, undermining operational continuity and data integrity. Since Redis is often deployed in cloud and on-premises environments, the vulnerability could affect a broad range of infrastructure setups. The requirement for valid authentication limits exploitation to insiders or attackers who have compromised credentials, but this does not eliminate risk given the prevalence of credential theft and reuse. The ability to execute arbitrary code post-authentication means attackers could establish persistent footholds, escalate privileges, or pivot to other systems, increasing the potential damage. Additionally, the lack of known exploits in the wild currently provides a window for proactive mitigation before widespread attacks occur.

European organizations should prioritize upgrading RedisGraph to version 2.12.9 or later immediately to remediate this vulnerability. In environments where immediate patching is not feasible, organizations should enforce strict access controls to Redis instances, including network segmentation and firewall rules to limit access to trusted hosts only. Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for Redis access can reduce the risk of credential compromise. Monitoring and logging of Redis authentication and command execution should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior indicative of exploitation attempts. Additionally, organizations should conduct regular credential audits and rotate passwords or keys used for Redis authentication. Employing runtime application self-protection (RASP) or endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools can help detect and block exploitation attempts. Finally, organizations should review and harden their Redis configurations, disabling unnecessary modules or commands and ensuring that Redis instances are not exposed directly to the internet.