CVE-2023-21571 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This article provides insights into CVE-2023-21571, a Cross-site Scripting Vulnerability affecting Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises).

Understanding CVE-2023-21571

CVE-2023-21571 is a Cross-site Scripting Vulnerability identified in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises), specifically in versions 9.1 and 9.0.

What is CVE-2023-21571?

The CVE-2023-21571 vulnerability refers to the potential risk of Cross-site Scripting (XSS) attacks in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises). This vulnerability could allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users, leading to unauthorized access or data theft.

The Impact of CVE-2023-21571

If exploited, CVE-2023-21571 could result in spoofing attacks where malicious actors could impersonate legitimate users to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or perform unauthorized actions within the Dynamics 365 platform.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-21571

This section outlines the specific technical details related to the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises), allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the application.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Microsoft
Affected Products:
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 9.1
Versions: 9.1.0 to 9.1.16.20
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) version 9.0
Versions: 9.0.0 to 9.0.45.11

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by enticing a user to click on a specially crafted link or visit a compromised website containing malicious scripts designed to exploit the XSS weakness in Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises).

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems against CVE-2023-21571, it is crucial to implement appropriate mitigation strategies and security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should apply security patches or updates provided by Microsoft to address the vulnerability promptly.
Educate users about safe browsing practices to avoid clicking on suspicious links or visiting unknown websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web applications for any signs of potential vulnerabilities like Cross-site Scripting.
Implement robust input validation mechanisms to prevent malicious script injections.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft may release security updates or patches to mitigate CVE-2023-21571. It is essential for organizations to stay informed about these updates and promptly apply them to secure their Microsoft Dynamics 365 (on-premises) installations.