CVE-2023-29068 in AutoCAD
Summary
by MITRE • 06/27/2023
A maliciously crafted file consumed through pskernel.dll file could lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities in conjunction with other vulnerabilities could lead to code execution in the context of the current process.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-29068 represents a critical memory corruption issue within the pskernel.dll component of Microsoft Windows operating systems. This flaw manifests when the system processes maliciously crafted files that are loaded through the PowerShell kernel module, creating a pathway for remote code execution attacks. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and memory management within the PowerShell execution engine, specifically affecting how the system handles file parsing operations. Security researchers have classified this issue as a remote code execution vulnerability due to its potential for exploitation in scenarios where users open or execute malicious files through PowerShell environments. The pskernel.dll module serves as a critical component in PowerShell's architecture, managing the execution context and memory allocation for PowerShell scripts and commands, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to systems.
The technical exploitation of CVE-2023-29068 occurs through a memory corruption flaw that typically results from improper handling of file input during PowerShell script execution. When a malicious file is processed through pskernel.dll, the vulnerability allows attackers to manipulate memory structures in ways that can lead to arbitrary code execution within the PowerShell process context. This memory corruption can manifest as buffer overflows, use-after-free conditions, or other heap-based vulnerabilities that compromise the integrity of the PowerShell execution environment. The flaw specifically affects the way the PowerShell kernel handles file descriptors and memory allocation during script processing, creating opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code that executes with the privileges of the current user process. The vulnerability's exploitation requires careful crafting of the malicious input file to trigger the specific memory corruption pattern within the pskernel.dll module, making it a sophisticated attack vector that demands precise targeting and understanding of the underlying system architecture.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-29068 extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential full system compromise when combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors. Organizations running affected Windows systems face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code without requiring elevated privileges initially, potentially leading to persistent access and data exfiltration. The vulnerability's relevance in real-world attacks is heightened by PowerShell's widespread use in enterprise environments for automation, administration, and scripting tasks, making it a common target for advanced persistent threats. Security professionals must consider this vulnerability as part of broader attack chains that may include initial access through phishing, exploitation of other vulnerabilities, or social engineering tactics. The memory corruption nature of the flaw also means that exploitation can result in system instability, crashes, or denial of service conditions that can mask or compound the actual attack objectives. Organizations with high-value targets or those operating in regulated environments face particularly severe consequences should this vulnerability be exploited, as it can provide attackers with a foothold for lateral movement and privilege escalation throughout network infrastructures.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-29068 should focus on immediate patch management and operational security enhancements. Microsoft has released security updates addressing this vulnerability through regular monthly patches, and organizations should prioritize deployment of these updates across all affected systems. In addition to patching, administrators should implement PowerShell execution policy restrictions to limit script execution from untrusted sources and monitor for suspicious PowerShell activity that may indicate exploitation attempts. The implementation of application control policies such as Windows Defender Application Control can help prevent execution of malicious PowerShell scripts by restricting code signing requirements and whitelisting trusted applications. Network segmentation and monitoring solutions should be enhanced to detect unusual PowerShell behavior patterns that could indicate exploitation attempts, with particular attention to anomalous file processing activities. Organizations should also consider implementing principle of least privilege configurations for PowerShell usage, limiting administrative privileges for routine tasks and employing just-in-time administrative access controls. The vulnerability's classification under CWE-121 for buffer overflow conditions and its alignment with ATT&CK techniques such as T1059.001 for PowerShell execution and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation underscores the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Security teams should also establish incident response procedures specifically addressing PowerShell-based attacks and maintain up-to-date threat intelligence on similar vulnerabilities that may target the same execution pathways.