Is CVE-2023-38121 actively exploited?

No active exploitation of CVE-2023-38121 has been confirmed so far. Continue monitoring, as exploit status can change.

Can CVE-2023-38121 be exploited remotely?

Yes. CVE-2023-38121 is exploitable remotely over the network (CVSS attack vector: Network).

What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-38121?

CVE-2023-38121 has a CVSS score of 9.0 (CRITICAL).

HOME VULNERABILITIESCVE-2023-38121

CRITICAL

CVE-2023-38121

CWE-79Published: May 3, 2024· Updated: Jun 17, 2026

9.0

CVSS v3.1

Official Description

Inductive Automation Ignition OPC UA Quick Client Cross-Site Scripting Remote Code Execution Vulnerability. This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected installations of Inductive Automation Ignition. User interaction is required to exploit this vulnerability in that the target must visit a malicious page or open a malicious file.

The specific flaw exists within the handling of the id parameter provided to the Inductive Automation Ignition web interface. The issue results from the lack of proper validation of user-supplied data, which can lead to the injection of an arbitrary script. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in the context of SYSTEM. Was ZDI-CAN-20355.

NVD Source

Risk Analysis

Inductive Automation Ignition contains a cross-site scripting vulnerability that can lead to remote code execution in the context of SYSTEM. The flaw requires user interaction, such as visiting a malicious page, and has a CVSS score of 9.0. It is considered critical due to the potential for full system compromise.

There is no known public exploit, and it is not in the CISA KEV. The vulnerability is remotely exploitable but requires user interaction.

Recommended Action

Upgrade to the latest version of Inductive Automation Ignition. Users should be cautioned against clicking suspicious links or opening untrusted files while logged into the application.

Generated by the CTIWATCH analysis pipeline from this CVE's metadata (CVSS, EPSS, KEV status, exploit intelligence). Verify against vendor advisories before acting.

Technical Analysis

CVE-2023-38121 can be exploited remotely over the network without requiring physical or adjacent access, significantly expanding the attack surface for threat actors.

Exploitation requires low privileges, which limits the exposure to scenarios where an attacker has already gained initial access.

A successful exploit results in complete confidentiality breach (data exposure), full integrity compromise (data manipulation), availability disruption (denial of service), with a CVSS base score of 9.0.

The vulnerability has a "Changed" scope, meaning successful exploitation can impact components beyond the vulnerable component itself — such as the host operating system or adjacent services.

From a weakness classification perspective (CWE-79): Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities allow attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.