CVE-2023-25263 in Designer
Summary
by MITRE • 03/28/2023
In Stimulsoft Designer (Desktop) 2023.1.5, and 2023.1.4, once an attacker decompiles the Stimulsoft.report.dll the attacker is able to decrypt any connectionstring stored in .mrt files since a static secret is used. The secret does not differ between the tested versions and different operating systems.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-25263 affects Stimulsoft Designer Desktop versions 2023.1.5 and 2023.1.4, presenting a critical security flaw in the handling of encrypted connection strings within report files. This weakness stems from the use of a static cryptographic secret that remains unchanged across different software versions and operating systems, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to the compiled application components. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to decrypt sensitive database connection information stored in .mrt report files, potentially exposing confidential data and system access credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the use of a hardcoded static key for encrypting connection strings within Stimulsoft report files. When attackers decompile the Stimulsoft.report.dll assembly, they can extract this static secret and subsequently decrypt any connection string stored in .mrt files that were created using the affected versions. This approach violates fundamental cryptographic principles where keys should be dynamically generated and properly managed, instead of being embedded statically within the application code. The static nature of the secret means that once discovered, it can be used to decrypt all previously stored connection strings, making this a persistent threat rather than a one-time exploit opportunity.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure to encompass potential unauthorized database access and data exfiltration capabilities. Attackers who successfully exploit this vulnerability can gain access to database connection strings that may contain sensitive information such as database credentials, server names, and connection parameters. This information can then be used to establish direct connections to target databases, potentially leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, or further lateral movement within network environments. The cross-platform consistency of the vulnerability means that attackers can exploit it regardless of the operating system on which the affected software is running, amplifying the potential attack surface.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of broken or weak cryptographic algorithms, and specifically relates to the improper implementation of encryption mechanisms. The flaw also maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers may use the extracted credentials to establish unauthorized connections. Organizations using Stimulsoft Designer Desktop should immediately implement mitigation strategies including updating to patched versions, implementing additional access controls, and reviewing existing connection strings for potential exposure. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cryptographic key management and the dangers of embedding secrets within application code, particularly in enterprise software where sensitive data handling is a primary concern.