CVE-2023-4296 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE-2023-4296 was assigned by icscert and published on August 29, 2023. It affects PTC Codebeamer versions v22.10-SP7, v22.04-SP5, and v21.09-SP13, allowing attackers to inject arbitrary code by tricking an admin user into clicking on a malicious link.

Understanding CVE-2023-4296

This CVE pertains to a Cross-site Scripting vulnerability in PTC Codebeamer that could lead to code execution in the browser of the targeted device. It was discovered by Niklas Schilling of SEC Consult Vulnerability Lab and reported to CISA.

What is CVE-2023-4296?

The CVE-2023-4296 vulnerability involves the injection of arbitrary code into the browser of a targeted device by exploiting a Cross-site Scripting flaw in PTC Codebeamer.

The Impact of CVE-2023-4296

This vulnerability has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 8.8, categorized as high severity. It can have a significant impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, as it allows attackers to execute arbitrary code in the browser with no privileges required, upon tricking an admin user into clicking a malicious link.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-4296

This section provides detailed information on the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The CVE-2023-4296 vulnerability in PTC Codebeamer enables attackers to inject arbitrary code into the browser by coercing an admin user into clicking on a malicious link.

Affected Systems and Versions

PTC Codebeamer versions v22.10-SP7, v22.04-SP5, and v21.09-SP13 are affected by this vulnerability, while version 2.0 remains unaffected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited when an attacker lures an admin user of PTC Codebeamer into clicking on a crafted malicious link that triggers the execution of arbitrary code in the browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-4296 and prevent its exploitation, immediate steps can be taken along with long-term security practices and patching recommendations.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to the recommended newer versions based on their current deployed versions, following PTC's guidance on patching and mitigating the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, regular security assessments, and user awareness training can help prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

PTC recommends upgrading to the latest versions for affected Codebeamer releases (v22.10-SP8, v22.04-SP6, and v21.09-SP14) and provides Docker Image downloads, Codebeamer installers, as well as support for hosted customers to request upgrades. Additionally, version 2.0 is confirmed to be not impacted by this vulnerability.