CVE-2023-28152 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2023-28152 was published on March 24, 2023, and involves an issue discovered in Independentsoft JWord, specifically before version 1.1.110. The vulnerability allows for XML external entity (XXE) injection through a remote Document Type Definition (DTD) in a DOCX file.

Understanding CVE-2023-28152

This section will cover what CVE-2023-28152 is and the impact it has, along with the technical details and mitigation steps.

What is CVE-2023-28152?

CVE-2023-28152 refers to a vulnerability found in Independentsoft JWord, where an attacker could exploit the API through XXE injection via a remote DTD within a DOCX file. This could potentially lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of data.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28152

The impact of this vulnerability is rated as medium with a CVSSv3.1 base score of 5.3. While the confidentiality impact is low, it still poses a risk as it could allow an attacker to tamper with the integrity of the system, affecting availability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28152

Delve into the specifics of this vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Independentsoft JWord before version 1.1.110 allows for XXE injection through a remote DTD in DOCX files, enabling attackers to potentially manipulate the processing of XML data.

Affected Systems and Versions

At the time of discovery, all versions of Independentsoft JWord before 1.1.110 are affected by this CVE. The vendor and product information are not available.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of CVE-2023-28152 involves crafting a malicious DOCX file with a remote DTD to trigger the XXE injection vulnerability within the API of Independentsoft JWord.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-28152 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Independentsoft JWord to version 1.1.110 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and prevent XXE injection attacks. Additionally, avoid opening DOCX files from untrusted or unknown sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is crucial to regularly update software and libraries, conduct security audits, and stay informed about the latest vulnerabilities to maintain a secure IT environment.

Patching and Updates

Developers and users should stay vigilant for security patches released by Independentsoft for JWord and apply them promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28152.