CVE-2023-28124 in UI Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 04/19/2023
Improper usage of symmetric encryption in UI Desktop for Windows (Version 0.59.1.71 and earlier) could allow users with access to UI Desktop configuration files to decrypt their content.This vulnerability is fixed in Version 0.62.3 and later.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/01/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-28124 represents a critical weakness in the symmetric encryption implementation within the UI Desktop for Windows software ecosystem. This flaw specifically affects versions 0.59.1.71 and earlier, where the encryption mechanisms fail to properly secure configuration files that contain sensitive user data and system parameters. The issue stems from improper handling of cryptographic operations that should have provided robust protection for stored information but instead created accessible decryption pathways for unauthorized users. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of system configurations, potentially exposing sensitive operational data to malicious actors who gain access to the affected system's file structure.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the flawed symmetric encryption algorithm implementation that fails to properly manage encryption keys and initialization vectors. According to CWE-327, this represents a weakness in the use of weak or improperly implemented cryptographic algorithms where the system does not adequately protect the encryption keys or employs insecure key derivation functions. The vulnerability enables attackers to potentially recover sensitive information from configuration files without proper authorization, creating a pathway for privilege escalation and system compromise. The improper usage of encryption mechanisms creates a scenario where the confidentiality guarantees typically provided by symmetric encryption are undermined, allowing for unauthorized data access and potential system infiltration.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates opportunities for attackers to manipulate system configurations and potentially gain deeper access to the underlying infrastructure. When configuration files contain authentication tokens, system parameters, or other sensitive information, their decryption becomes a critical attack vector for adversaries seeking to establish persistent access or escalate privileges. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for Unsecured Credentials and T1078.004 for Valid Accounts, as compromised configuration files can provide attackers with legitimate access credentials and system information. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where multiple users have access to the UI Desktop configuration files, as the vulnerability can be exploited by any user with appropriate file system permissions.
Organizations should immediately implement the remediation measures available in version 0.62.3 and later, which address the improper encryption implementation through proper key management and cryptographic protocol enforcement. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of all affected systems to identify and remediate any potential exploitation attempts. The fix should be prioritized across all environments where UI Desktop for Windows is deployed, with particular attention to systems handling sensitive operational data. Additionally, organizations should review their access control policies to ensure that only authorized personnel have access to configuration files, implementing principle of least privilege controls and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other cryptographic implementations.