CVE-2023-28290 in Remote Desktop
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
Microsoft Remote Desktop app for Windows Information Disclosure Vulnerability
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/10/2025
This vulnerability affects the Microsoft Remote Desktop application for Windows and represents a critical information disclosure flaw that could allow attackers to access sensitive data through improper handling of remote desktop connections. The issue stems from how the application processes certain connection parameters and authentication tokens during remote desktop sessions, potentially exposing confidential information to unauthorized parties. The vulnerability specifically impacts versions of the Microsoft Remote Desktop client software running on Windows operating systems, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on remote access solutions for their workforce.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize input parameters during the remote desktop connection establishment process. When users establish connections through the Microsoft Remote Desktop client, the application may inadvertently expose session information, authentication credentials, or other sensitive data through memory handling or connection state management issues. This occurs particularly when the client encounters malformed connection strings or when processing certain authentication protocols that are not properly secured. The vulnerability manifests as an information disclosure mechanism that allows attackers to extract data that should remain confidential within the application's memory space or connection context.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates potential pathways for more sophisticated attacks within enterprise environments. Organizations using Microsoft Remote Desktop for remote workforce access or system administration may face risks including credential theft, session hijacking, and unauthorized access to internal network resources. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gather intelligence about network topology, user permissions, or system configurations that would otherwise remain protected. The vulnerability is particularly concerning for organizations with distributed workforces that rely heavily on remote desktop solutions, as it could enable attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive corporate systems through compromised remote desktop sessions.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability should include immediate deployment of Microsoft security updates and patches that address the information disclosure flaw in the Remote Desktop client application. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to remote desktop services and employ multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of credential compromise. Additionally, monitoring for unusual connection patterns or unauthorized access attempts should be enhanced to detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability. The flaw aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and may be related to ATT&CK techniques involving credential access and reconnaissance. Network administrators should also consider implementing secure remote access policies that limit the attack surface and reduce the likelihood of successful exploitation through this information disclosure vulnerability.