CVE-2023-28151 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-28151 was published on March 24, 2023, and involves an issue discovered in Independentsoft JSpreadsheet before version 1.1.110. The vulnerability lies in the API's susceptibility to XML external entity (XXE) injection through a remote Document Type Definition (DTD) in a DOCX file.

Understanding CVE-2023-28151

This section will delve into understanding what CVE-2023-28151 is, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-28151?

The CVE-2023-28151 vulnerability pertains to Independentsoft JSpreadsheet prior to version 1.1.110, allowing for XML external entity (XXE) injection via a remote DTD in a DOCX file. This vulnerability can potentially lead to security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28151

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium with a base score of 5.3 according to the Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS:3.1). The confidentiality impact is low, while integrity and availability are not affected. The attack vector is through the network with low complexity and no privileges required.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28151

In this section, we will discuss the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Independentsoft JSpreadsheet allows for XML external entity (XXE) injection via a remote DTD in a DOCX file. Attackers could exploit this to manipulate the processing of XML data and gain unauthorized access to system resources.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Independentsoft JSpreadsheet before 1.1.110 are affected by this CVE. Users of these versions are at risk of exploitation if not addressed promptly.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the susceptibility to XXE injection, attackers can craft a malicious DOCX file with a remote DTD, tricking the application into processing the XML content and potentially executing unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To safeguard systems from CVE-2023-28151, immediate steps should be taken, followed by long-term security practices and patching procedures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators should update Independentsoft JSpreadsheet to version 1.1.110 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability. Additionally, exercise caution when opening files from untrusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security assessments, and staying informed about potential vulnerabilities in software applications are essential for long-term security resilience.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for software updates and security advisories related to Independentsoft JSpreadsheet to apply patches promptly and mitigate the risk of exploitation associated with CVE-2023-28151.