CVE-2023-36052: Azure CLI Information Disclosure Flaw

CVE-2023-36052 Overview

CVE-2023-36052 is an Information Disclosure vulnerability affecting the Microsoft Azure Command-Line Interface (Azure CLI). This vulnerability allows unauthenticated remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through the Azure CLI REST command functionality. The flaw enables exposure of private data that could be leveraged for further attacks against Azure environments.

Critical Impact

Remote attackers can exploit this vulnerability to access sensitive information without authentication, potentially exposing credentials, configuration data, or other confidential details from Azure CLI operations.

Affected Products

• Microsoft Azure Command-Line Interface (all versions prior to the security patch)

Discovery Timeline

• November 14, 2023 - CVE-2023-36052 published to NVD
• July 2, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2023-36052

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-359 (Exposure of Private Personal Information to an Unauthorized Actor), indicating that the Azure CLI REST command improperly handles sensitive information, allowing it to be accessed by unauthorized parties. The vulnerability has a network-based attack vector with no user interaction required, making it particularly dangerous in automated cloud environments where Azure CLI is frequently used for infrastructure management and deployment pipelines.

The scope of this vulnerability extends beyond the vulnerable component itself, potentially affecting other resources and systems that rely on the exposed information. Successful exploitation results in high confidentiality impact, though integrity and availability remain unaffected.

Root Cause

The root cause of CVE-2023-36052 lies in improper information handling within the Azure CLI REST command functionality. The vulnerability stems from insufficient access controls or improper sanitization of output data, causing sensitive information to be disclosed through command responses or log files. This type of flaw typically occurs when debug information, credentials, or internal system details are inadvertently included in output that can be accessed by unauthorized users.

Attack Vector

The attack vector is network-based, requiring no privileges or user interaction. An attacker can remotely exploit this vulnerability without authentication by targeting Azure CLI REST command operations. The attack complexity is low, meaning standard exploitation techniques can be applied without special conditions or advanced preparation.

The vulnerability can be exploited by:

• Intercepting or accessing Azure CLI REST command outputs
• Targeting systems where Azure CLI logs or outputs are improperly secured
• Leveraging the exposed information for credential theft or privilege escalation
• Chaining with other vulnerabilities to achieve broader system compromise

Detection Methods for CVE-2023-36052

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual access patterns to Azure CLI log files or output directories
• Unexpected network connections from systems running Azure CLI
• Evidence of credential exfiltration or unauthorized access to Azure resources
• Anomalous REST API call patterns in Azure activity logs

Detection Strategies

• Monitor Azure CLI command execution logs for suspicious REST command usage
• Implement file integrity monitoring on Azure CLI configuration and log directories
• Deploy network traffic analysis to detect potential data exfiltration attempts
• Review Azure Active Directory sign-in logs for unauthorized access attempts following potential exposure

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for Azure CLI operations in critical environments
• Configure alerts for failed authentication attempts following Azure CLI usage
• Implement SIEM rules to correlate Azure CLI activity with subsequent unauthorized access
• Audit Azure CLI version deployments across the organization to identify vulnerable installations

How to Mitigate CVE-2023-36052

Immediate Actions Required

• Update Azure CLI to the latest patched version immediately
• Review and rotate any credentials that may have been exposed through Azure CLI operations
• Audit Azure CLI logs for evidence of exploitation
• Restrict network access to systems running vulnerable Azure CLI versions

Patch Information

Microsoft has released a security update to address this vulnerability. Organizations should consult the Microsoft Security Response Center Advisory for specific patch details and update instructions. The patch addresses the information disclosure issue by implementing proper access controls and sanitization of sensitive data in CLI REST command outputs.

To update Azure CLI, use the appropriate method for your platform:

• Windows: Download the latest MSI installer from Microsoft or use az upgrade
• Linux/macOS: Update via package manager or use az upgrade
• Docker: Pull the latest mcr.microsoft.com/azure-cli image

Workarounds

• Limit Azure CLI REST command usage to trusted, isolated environments until patching is complete
• Implement network segmentation to restrict access to systems running Azure CLI
• Disable or restrict access to Azure CLI for non-essential users and service accounts
• Monitor and audit all Azure CLI operations pending the application of security updates

# Check current Azure CLI version
az version

# Update Azure CLI to latest version
az upgrade

# Verify the update
az version