CVE-2023-29445 : What You Need to Know

A detailed article about the CVE-2023-29445 vulnerability in PTC's Kepware KEPServerEX, impacting Windows platforms.

Understanding CVE-2023-29445

This CVE identifies an uncontrolled search path element vulnerability in PTC's Kepware KEPServerEX that could lead to privilege escalation.

What is CVE-2023-29445?

An uncontrolled search path element vulnerability (DLL hijacking) has been discovered in PTC's Kepware KEPServerEX, allowing a locally authenticated adversary to escalate privileges to SYSTEM.

The Impact of CVE-2023-29445

The vulnerability poses a high-risk threat, leading to privilege escalation (CAPEC-233). The base score of 7.8 indicates a high severity level.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-29445

This section dives into the specifics of the vulnerability, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows a locally authenticated attacker to escalate privileges to SYSTEM through DLL hijacking in PTC's Kepware KEPServerEX.

Affected Systems and Versions

PTC products including Kepware KEPServerEX, ThingWorx Kepware Server, and ThingWorx Industrial Connectivity are impacted with specific vulnerable versions.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation involves leveraging the uncontrolled search path element vulnerability to elevate privileges to SYSTEM.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to address and prevent the CVE-2023-29445 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to update affected PTC products to secure versions, monitor system activity for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices, conduct regular security audits, and educate users on potential threats like privilege escalation.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by PTC to address the vulnerability.