CVE-2023-48028 is a security vulnerability identified in kodbox version 1.46.01, involving a user enumeration flaw on the login page. User enumeration vulnerabilities occur when an attacker can distinguish valid usernames from invalid ones based on differences in system responses during authentication attempts. In this case, the login page returns varying response messages depending on whether the username exists or not. This discrepancy allows an attacker to systematically test usernames and confirm which accounts are valid. Once valid usernames are identified, the attacker can launch targeted brute force attacks against those accounts to attempt password guessing and gain unauthorized access. Although no public exploits are currently known, the presence of this flaw increases the attack surface by facilitating reconnaissance activities that precede more severe attacks. The vulnerability does not have an assigned CVSS score, and no patches or fixes have been linked yet. The lack of a patch means that affected installations remain exposed until remediation is applied. The flaw specifically impacts the kodbox web application, which is a file management system often deployed on web servers to facilitate file sharing and collaboration. The vulnerability arises from inconsistent error or response messaging during login attempts, a common security oversight that can be mitigated by standardizing responses regardless of username validity.

For European organizations using kodbox 1.46.01, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to the confidentiality and integrity of their file management systems. Successful user enumeration can lead to targeted brute force attacks, potentially resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive files and data. This could compromise personal data protected under GDPR, intellectual property, or other confidential information. Additionally, unauthorized access could allow attackers to modify or delete files, impacting data integrity and availability. Organizations in sectors with high regulatory requirements or handling sensitive data, such as finance, healthcare, and government, are particularly at risk. The vulnerability could also serve as an entry point for further lateral movement within networks, escalating the impact beyond the initial compromise. Although exploitation requires interaction with the login interface, the ease of automating username enumeration and brute force attempts increases the threat level. Without a patch, organizations must rely on compensating controls to mitigate risk.

To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should first verify if they are running kodbox version 1.46.01 and plan to upgrade to a patched version once available. In the absence of an official patch, administrators should implement the following measures: 1) Standardize login response messages to avoid revealing whether a username is valid or invalid, ensuring uniform error messages for all failed login attempts. 2) Implement account lockout policies or rate limiting to restrict the number of login attempts from a single IP address or account, thereby reducing the feasibility of brute force attacks. 3) Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on kodbox accounts to add an additional layer of security beyond passwords. 4) Monitor login attempts and authentication logs for unusual patterns indicative of enumeration or brute force activity. 5) Restrict access to the kodbox login page via IP whitelisting or VPN access where possible, limiting exposure to external attackers. 6) Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate similar issues proactively. These steps will help reduce the risk until an official patch is released.