CVE-2023-29016 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability has been identified in the Goobi viewer Core, allowing attackers to execute malicious scripts through user nicknames.

Understanding CVE-2023-29016

This CVE focuses on a security issue in the Goobi viewer Core related to improper neutralization of input during web page generation, specifically involving user nicknames.

What is CVE-2023-29016?

The Goobi viewer Core web application, prior to version 23.03, is susceptible to a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability when handling nicknames. This vulnerability allows an attacker to inject malicious scripts through a user's nickname, leading to script execution in the user's browser on specific pages.

The Impact of CVE-2023-29016

Exploitation of this vulnerability could result in unauthorized script execution in the context of the user's session, potentially leading to account compromise, data theft, or further system exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-29016

This section delves into the specific details of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user nicknames in the Goobi viewer Core web application before version 23.03, allowing malicious script injection and subsequent execution in the user's browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected system is the Goobi viewer Core prior to version 23.03. Systems running versions older than 23.03 are at risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by creating a user account, entering malicious scripts in the profile's nickname, and triggering the execution of these scripts when displaying the nickname on certain pages.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the necessary steps to mitigate the CVE's impact and prevent similar vulnerabilities from affecting systems.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update Goobi viewer Core to version 23.03 or newer to eliminate the Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability. Additionally, users should sanitize input fields and encode output to prevent script injection attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance system security, organizations should conduct regular security assessments, implement secure coding practices, and provide security awareness training to developers and users.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches for the Goobi viewer Core application. Promptly apply patches provided by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen system security.