CVE-2023-25578: Starlite is an Asynchronous Server Gateway Interface (ASGI) framework. Prior to version 1.5.2, the request body parsing in `starlite` allows a potenti...

Description

Starlite is an Asynchronous Server Gateway Interface (ASGI) framework. Prior to version 1.5.2, the request body parsing in `starlite` allows a potentially unauthenticated attacker to consume a large amount of CPU time and RAM. The multipart body parser processes an unlimited number of file parts and an unlimited number of field parts. This is a remote, potentially unauthenticated Denial of Service vulnerability. This vulnerability affects applications with a request handler that accepts a `Body(media_type=RequestEncodingType.MULTI_PART)`. The large amount of CPU time required for processing requests can block all available worker processes and significantly delay or slow down the processing of legitimate user requests. The large amount of RAM accumulated while processing requests can lead to Out-Of-Memory kills. Complete DoS is achievable by sending many concurrent multipart requests in a loop. Version 1.51.2 contains a patch for this issue.

Metrics

CVSS 3.1

7.5/10

CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H

EPSS Probability

1.00%

58.5th percentile

Probability of exploitation in the next 30 days. Learn more

Weakness Enumeration

Affected Software

Vendor	Product	Versions
Starliteproject	Starlite	< 1.51.2

References

https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/commit/9674fe803628f986c03fe60769048cbc55b5bf83Patch
https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/releases/tag/v1.51.2Release Notes
https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/security/advisories/GHSA-p24m-863f-fm6qExploit, Vendor Advisory
https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/commit/9674fe803628f986c03fe60769048cbc55b5bf83Patch
https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/releases/tag/v1.51.2Release Notes
https://github.com/starlite-api/starlite/security/advisories/GHSA-p24m-863f-fm6qExploit, Vendor Advisory

Timeline

Published: Feb 15, 2023
Last Modified: Jun 17, 2026
Status: Modified

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-25578?

Starlite is an Asynchronous Server Gateway Interface (ASGI) framework. Prior to version 1.5.2, the request body parsing in `starlite` allows a potentially unauthenticated attacker to consume a large amount of CPU time and RAM. The multipart body parser processes an unlimited number of file parts and an unlimited number of field parts. This is a remote, potentially unauthenticated Denial of Service vulnerability. This vulnerability affects applications with a request handler that accepts a `Body(media_type=RequestEncodingType.MULTI_PART)`. The large amount of CPU time required for processing requests can block all available worker processes and significantly delay or slow down the processing of legitimate user requests. The large amount of RAM accumulated while processing requests can lead to Out-Of-Memory kills. Complete DoS is achievable by sending many concurrent multipart requests in a loop. Version 1.51.2 contains a patch for this issue.

How severe is CVE-2023-25578?

CVE-2023-25578 has a CVSS score of 7.5/10 (HIGH severity). The EPSS model estimates a 1.00% probability of exploitation in the next 30 days.

How do I fix CVE-2023-25578?

Check the vendor references and advisories linked above for patched versions and mitigation guidance. You can also run a Strix scan to test if your systems are affected.