CVE-2023-49296 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Arduino Create Agent vulnerable to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting.

Understanding CVE-2023-49296

The CVE-2023-49296 vulnerability affects the Arduino Create Agent, exposing it to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks.

What is CVE-2023-49296?

The Arduino Create Agent allows users to upload code to any USB-connected Arduino board directly from the browser. The vulnerability in versions prior to 1.3.6 lies in the handling of custom error messages on the

/certificate.crt

endpoint, enabling attackers to execute arbitrary client-side code through a malicious link.

The Impact of CVE-2023-49296

An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can launch XSS attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of user data and systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-49296

The following details outline the vulnerability in-depth:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Arduino Create Agent versions prior to 1.3.6 allows for Reflected Cross-Site Scripting attacks by manipulating custom error messages, exposing systems to code execution risks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: Arduino
Product: Arduino Create Agent
Affected Versions: < 1.3.6

Exploitation Mechanism

By tricking a user into clicking on a malicious link, attackers can inject and execute harmful scripts, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting against CVE-2023-49296 requires immediate action and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Arduino Create Agent to version 1.3.6 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Avoid clicking on suspicious or unverified links to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update all software components to their latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on safe browsing habits and the risks associated with clicking on unknown links.

Patching and Updates

Refer to the GitHub links provided for specific patch details and updates.