External risk intelligence

Stimulsoft Designer and Viewer Remote Code Execution Vulnerability.

CVE advisorySeverity: CRITICAL (CVSS 9.8)

CVE-2023-25261

This vulnerability affects Stimulsoft Web Designer and Web Viewer products, which are typically integrated into web applications and deployed as internet-facing components for report generation and viewing. Given their common role as web-accessible interface elements, these components are frequently reachable from the internet.

Code Injection

Stimulsoft Designer

2023.12023.1.32023.1.4

Halo Surface Signal: 4 out of 5 — likely to be public-facing.

External exposure likelihood

Horizon Alert

Summary of the vulnerability and why it matters

A vulnerability has been identified in Stimulsoft reporting products that could allow unauthorized remote code execution. The issue arises from how the software handles local file system access, potentially enabling an attacker to craft reports that read or write to local directories and files, or embed malicious code within report elements.

  • Unrestricted file access allows remote code execution.
  • Critical flaws in reporting tools require attention.
  • Confirm product relevance and potential exposure.

Attack Path

How an attacker could exploit the issue

An attacker can craft a report containing malicious source code that allows them to read or write to the local file system. This report, when rendered, enables the attacker to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to complete system compromise.

  • No authentication required.
  • Render a crafted report.
  • Remote code execution possible.

Live Threat

Current exploitation, exposure, and threat context

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code by including source code that interacts with the local file system to read or write files. It may also enable an attacker to craft a report containing a variable that holds collected data, which is then rendered in the report.

  • System files and directories could be affected.
  • Malicious source code can be included.
  • Unauthorized file access and data manipulation.

Operational Fix

Recommended remediation, mitigation, and detection steps

Application owners responsible for Stimulsoft Designer and Viewer components should lead the response to this critical remote code execution vulnerability. The initial step involves identifying all instances of the affected Stimulsoft products across your environment, confirming their accessibility from the internet, and assessing their business criticality. Once ownership and risk are clarified, a remediation plan can be developed, potentially involving vendor coordination or temporary risk reduction measures.

  • Confirm application owner and asset criticality.
  • Verify external reachability and exposure.
  • Plan remediation or temporary risk reduction.

Supplementary metadata

Validate whether this threat affects your internet-facing exposure.

Halo Threat Intelligence helps prioritize remediation with Halo Surface Signal and H/A/L/O context. Start exposure validation with a free external attack surface trial.

Frequently asked questions

What is Stimulsoft Designer and Viewer?

These are reporting and data visualization tools that allow developers to create, design, and display complex reports within their own software applications. The products include both desktop-based designers and web-integrated components that handle data processing and document rendering.

What does CVE-2023-25261 mean for system security?

This vulnerability is classified as CWE-94, or Improper Control of Generation of Code. Essentially, the software lacks sufficient safeguards when processing reports, allowing an attacker to inject and execute their own commands. Because the system treats this input as legitimate, it can lead to unauthorized access to files or the execution of malicious code on the host machine.

How can an attacker trigger this vulnerability?

The flaw is triggered when the application processes a specially crafted report containing malicious code. An attacker does not need to have prior credentials or bypass a login screen to initiate this. It is important to note that simply having the software installed is not the trigger; the application must be actively processing or rendering the malicious report content provided by the attacker.

Is my organization at risk from this vulnerability?

According to Halo Surface Signal, these components are frequently integrated into web applications, making them internet-facing by design to allow remote report generation. If your organization uses these Stimulsoft tools in a web-accessible environment, the potential for unauthorized external access is higher than for internal-only systems.

What should I do if I use these Stimulsoft products?

Begin by identifying every location where these specific reporting tools are installed in your environment. Prioritize finding instances that are exposed to the internet. Once located, verify who owns these applications and determine their business importance to guide your next steps in implementing vendor-provided updates or mitigating the risk.

References