CVE-2023-43624 in CX-Designer
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
CX-Designer Ver.3.740 and earlier (included in CX-One CXONE-AL[][]D-V4) contains an improper restriction of XML external entity reference (XXE) vulnerability. If a user opens a specially crafted project file created by an attacker, sensitive information in the file system where CX-Designer is installed may be disclosed.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-43624 affects CX-Designer version 3.740 and earlier, which is part of the CX-One CXONE-AL[][]D-V4 software suite. This represents a critical security flaw that falls under the CWE-611 category of improper restriction of XML external entity references, commonly known as XXE vulnerabilities. The flaw exists within the XML parsing functionality of the software and creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the application's handling of external entity references in project files. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it allows attackers to craft specially designed project files that can trigger unauthorized access to the local file system when opened by unsuspecting users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly validate and sanitize XML input when processing project files. When a user opens a maliciously crafted project file, the XML parser within CX-Designer attempts to resolve external entities referenced within the document. This process can be manipulated to access local files on the system where the software is installed, potentially exposing sensitive data, configuration files, or system information. The XXE vulnerability operates by leveraging the XML parser's ability to fetch external resources, which can include local file paths, network resources, or other system components that should remain protected from unauthorized access. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it requires no special privileges beyond the ability to open a project file, making it accessible to any user with access to the software.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can potentially lead to more severe consequences within industrial control systems environments where CX-Designer is commonly deployed. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to gain insights into system configurations, access sensitive operational data, or potentially use the discovered information to plan more sophisticated attacks against the broader industrial network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate file system access but also represents a potential gateway for lateral movement within networked industrial control environments. Organizations using CX-Designer in critical infrastructure settings face heightened risk as this vulnerability can be exploited to gather intelligence about system layouts, operational parameters, and security configurations that could be used in subsequent attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-43624 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the XXE vulnerability through proper XML input validation and entity resolution controls. Organizations should implement strict file access controls and network segmentation to limit the potential impact of successful exploitation attempts. The implementation of XML parser configurations that disable external entity resolution and DTD processing represents a fundamental defensive measure that aligns with industry best practices for XXE protection. Security monitoring should include detection of unusual file access patterns and attempts to open project files from untrusted sources. Additionally, user awareness training should emphasize the importance of only opening project files from trusted sources and verifying file integrity before opening. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in industrial control system software and highlights the need for regular security assessments of operational technology environments. Organizations should also consider implementing network-based intrusion detection systems that can identify potential XXE exploitation attempts and maintain detailed audit logs of project file access activities to support incident response efforts.