CVE-2023-1996 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-1996 addresses a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability affecting Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2018x through Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2023x by Dassault Systèmes.

Understanding CVE-2023-1996

This vulnerability poses a risk of an attacker executing arbitrary script code through a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attack on the affected versions of the 3DEXPERIENCE software.

What is CVE-2023-1996?

The CVE-2023-1996 vulnerability is classified as CWE-79, which refers to the improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically related to Cross-site Scripting (XSS).

The Impact of CVE-2023-1996

The impact of CVE-2023-1996 can lead to a compromise of confidentiality and integrity as attackers can inject and execute malicious scripts on the affected systems, potentially leading to unauthorized access and data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-1996

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit a reflected Cross-site Scripting (XSS) flaw in Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2018x through Release 3DEXPERIENCE R2023x, enabling them to execute arbitrary script code.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected systems include various versions of 3DEXPERIENCE, such as R2018x, R2019x, R2020x, R2021x, R2022x, and R2023x, up to specific build numbers indicated in the CVE data.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the injection of malicious scripts via specially crafted URLs or input fields, leading to the execution of unauthorized code within the context of the user's session.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-1996, it is crucial to implement immediate steps for mitigation, adopt long-term security practices, and stay updated on relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should implement input validation mechanisms, sanitize user input, and deploy security tools like web application firewalls to detect and prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and providing training to prevent XSS vulnerabilities in the software development lifecycle can enhance long-term security resilience.

Patching and Updates

Vendors like Dassault Systèmes should release patches and updates to address the identified XSS vulnerability in the affected versions of the 3DEXPERIENCE software, urging users to promptly apply these security fixes to safeguard their systems.