CVE-2023-40955 in Engineering & Lifecycle Management
Summary
by MITRE • 09/15/2023
A SQL injection vulnerability in Didotech srl Engineering & Lifecycle Management (aka pdm) v.14.0, v.15.0 and v.16.0 fixed in pdm-14.0.1.0.0, pdm-15.0.1.0.0, and pdm-16.0.1.0.0 allows a remote authenticated attacker to execute arbitrary code via the select parameter in models/base_client.py component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/30/2026
The SQL injection vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-40955 affects the Didotech srl Engineering & Lifecycle Management software version 14.0, 15.0, and 16.0. This critical security flaw resides within the models/base_client.py component where the select parameter is improperly handled, allowing authenticated attackers to manipulate database queries through crafted input. The vulnerability represents a significant risk to organizations using this engineering and lifecycle management platform, as it provides a pathway for remote code execution through database manipulation. The affected versions were patched in specific minor releases including pdm-14.0.1.0.0, pdm-15.0.1.0.0, and pdm-16.0.1.0.0, demonstrating the severity of the issue that required immediate attention from the vendor.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an authenticated user submits malicious input through the select parameter in the base_client.py module. This parameter is directly incorporated into SQL queries without proper sanitization or parameterization, creating an environment where attackers can inject arbitrary SQL commands. The flaw aligns with CWE-89 which specifically addresses SQL injection vulnerabilities, where insufficient input validation allows attackers to manipulate database queries. The authenticated nature of the attack means that an attacker must first establish legitimate credentials, but this requirement does not mitigate the severity of the potential impact, as authenticated access often provides extensive privileges within the system. The vulnerability essentially allows attackers to bypass normal access controls and execute commands at the database level.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-40955 extends beyond simple data theft or manipulation to include full system compromise through remote code execution capabilities. An attacker with authenticated access could potentially extract sensitive information, modify critical engineering data, disrupt business processes, or even escalate privileges to gain administrative control over the entire platform. Given that this software is designed for engineering and lifecycle management, the compromised data could include intellectual property, design specifications, and critical project information that organizations rely upon for their operations. The vulnerability affects organizations that depend on proper engineering data management, making it particularly dangerous for companies in manufacturing, engineering, or product development sectors where data integrity is paramount. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that this vulnerability exists across multiple major versions, indicating a systemic flaw in the codebase that requires comprehensive patching.
Organizations should immediately implement the vendor-provided patches for pdm-14.0.1.0.0, pdm-15.0.1.0.0, and pdm-16.0.1.0.0 to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as network segmentation to limit access to the affected system, monitoring for unusual database query patterns, and conducting thorough access control reviews to ensure that only authorized users have access to the vulnerable components. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation and parameterized queries in preventing SQL injection attacks, aligning with security best practices outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines. Additionally, organizations should perform regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar flaws in other components of their engineering and lifecycle management platforms. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat and the need for comprehensive defensive strategies.