# Executive Summary

In a critical turn of events, Microsoft has patched 84 vulnerabilities this March, highlighting the urgency and breadth of the cyber threats we face. Two publicly known zero-days make this update not just routine, but a mandatory defense maneuver for anyone in the cyber battlefield.

## The Deep Dive: Technical Analysis

Among the 84 vulnerabilities patched by Microsoft, the spotlight shines brightest on two publicly disclosed zero-days: CVE-2023-21823 and CVE-2023-23397. Both present an alarming potential for attackers to exploit widely used software.

### CVE-2023-21823

CVE-2023-21823 is a Remote Code Execution (RCE) flaw affecting Microsoft Word. The vulnerability allows an attacker to execute arbitrary code merely by convincing a user to open a specially crafted file. This method of attack is both sophisticated and stealthy, leveraging trusted file types to bypass user skepticism.

### CVE-2023-23397

CVE-2023-23397, on the other hand, is a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint. By exploiting this, an attacker could potentially perform actions on behalf of users and steal confidential information from unsuspecting victims.

## 🛡️ SOC Analyst Actions: The "Blue Team" Playbook

### Detection Opportunities

- **PowerShell Logs**: Look for unusual execution patterns or scripts that could indicate exploitation attempts of the Microsoft Word vulnerability.
- **Web Server Logs**: Monitor for anomalous requests that might suggest exploitation attempts against SharePoint.

### Triage Steps

- Immediately isolate suspected infected systems.
- Review and analyze logs for signs of exploitation or lateral movements.
- Update affected systems with the latest patches from Microsoft, prioritizing critical assets.

## 🎓 Student Corner: The "Why" & "How"

### Remote Code Execution (RCE)

Remote Code Execution occurs when an attacker can run arbitrary commands on another computer, typically exploiting vulnerabilities in software or systems. Understanding RCE helps in identifying how attackers can gain control over systems remotely, a critical knowledge area in cyber defense.

### Interview Insight

Grasping the concept and defense mechanisms against RCE can dramatically showcase your technical prowess and problem-solving skills in cybersecurity interviews, making you a desirable candidate for roles that require acute threat detection and response capabilities.

## 🚀 Simulation Brief: Call to Action

We have replicated these attack vectors in the https://infoseclabs.io range. Deploy to the dashboard and investigate **"CVE-2023-21823 Exploit Attempt"** and **"CVE-2023-23397 XSS Trigger"** to test your skills against these TTPs.

## MITRE ATT&CK Mapping

- **T1203: Exploitation for Client Execution** - For the Microsoft Word RCE.
- **T1059.001: PowerShell** - Often used in post-exploitation phases of RCE attacks.
- **T1190: Exploit Public-Facing Application** - Relevant for the SharePoint XSS vulnerability.
