CVE-2023-26446 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record was published on August 2, 2023, with an update on January 12, 2024, by the organization OX. It pertains to a vulnerability found in the OX App Suite software, affecting certain versions of the product. The vulnerability is related to improper handling of the user's clientID in the "application passwords" feature, which could potentially lead to session hijacking or unauthorized actions being performed through the web interface and API.

Understanding CVE-2023-26446

This section delves deeper into the nature of the CVE-2023-26446 vulnerability found in the OX App Suite software.

What is CVE-2023-26446?

The vulnerability in question arises from the lack of proper sanitization or escaping of the user's clientID before it is added to the Document Object Model (DOM). This oversight allows malicious script code to be executed within the victim's context, enabling attackers to carry out session hijacking or trigger unwanted actions via the web interface and API. Exploiting this vulnerability would require temporary access to the user's account or tricking a user into accessing a compromised account.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26446

Given the nature of this vulnerability, its impact could result in significant security breaches, including session hijacking and unauthorized actions performed by malicious actors using the affected clientID parameter.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26446

This section provides detailed technical information related to CVE-2023-26446.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability, categorized under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation), is essentially a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue that arises from the improper handling of the user's clientID parameter within the "application passwords" feature.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects specific versions of the OX App Suite software, including versions less than or equal to 7.10.6 revision 27 and version 8.11.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need to leverage the unescaped clientID parameter, potentially obtained through temporary access to a user's account or by enticing a user to interact with a compromised account.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2023-26446 vulnerability is crucial for maintaining the security of OX App Suite users.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update the OX App Suite software to versions that address this vulnerability promptly. Additionally, users should be cautious about accessing their accounts from untrusted sources or clicking on suspicious links to mitigate potential risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust security practices, such as regularly updating software, educating users on safe online practices, and monitoring for unusual account activity, can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.

Patching and Updates

It is essential for users of the OX App Suite software to stay informed about security patches and updates released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-26446. Regularly applying patches and updates can help enhance the overall security posture of the software and mitigate potential risks associated with known vulnerabilities.

By addressing the CVE-2023-26446 vulnerability through timely updates and enhanced security practices, users can mitigate the risks associated with this particular security issue in the OX App Suite software.