CVE-2023-23949 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record was published on January 24, 2023, by Symantec highlighting a vulnerability in Symantec Identity Management And Governance. The vulnerability allows an authenticated user to supply malicious HTML and JavaScript code that will be executed in the client browser.

Understanding CVE-2023-23949

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-23949, including what the vulnerability entails and its potential impact.

What is CVE-2023-23949?

CVE-2023-23949 involves a security issue where an authenticated user can input harmful HTML and JavaScript code to be executed within the client's browser. This reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability poses a risk to the security of the affected system.

The Impact of CVE-2023-23949

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows a malicious user to execute code in the context of an authenticated session. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-23949

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2023-23949, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Symantec Identity Management And Governance arises from the improper handling of user-supplied input, allowing for the execution of malicious scripts in the client browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

Symantec Identity Management And Governance versions 14.3, 14.4.1, and 14.4.2 are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2023-23949. Users utilizing these versions are at risk of exploitation if proper mitigation measures are not implemented.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an authenticated user needs to input specially crafted HTML and JavaScript code that will then be executed when accessed by other users, thereby enabling the attacker to carry out malicious actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section will provide insights into the steps that can be taken to mitigate the impact of CVE-2023-23949 and prevent any potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations using Symantec Identity Management And Governance should implement input validation mechanisms to filter out potentially harmful code.
Regular monitoring of user inputs and output sanitization can help prevent the execution of malicious scripts.
Users should be cautious while interacting with any content that allows input and be wary of unexpected behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is crucial for organizations to conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address such issues promptly.
Security training and awareness programs can help educate users on the risks associated with executing code from untrusted sources.
Implementing a robust security policy that includes secure coding practices and continuous monitoring can enhance the overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Symantec has likely released patches or updates to address CVE-2023-23949. Organizations should promptly apply these patches to safeguard their systems against potential exploitation and ensure the security of their information assets.