CVE-2020-28734 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Plone before 5.2.3 allows XXE attacks via a feature that is explicitly only available to the Manager role.

Understanding CVE-2020-28734

Plone before version 5.2.3 is vulnerable to XXE attacks due to a specific feature restricted to the Manager role.

What is CVE-2020-28734?

CVE-2020-28734 is a vulnerability in Plone versions prior to 5.2.3 that enables XML External Entity (XXE) attacks through a feature limited to the Manager role.

The Impact of CVE-2020-28734

This vulnerability could allow an attacker to exploit the XXE weakness, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data exfiltration, or denial of service.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-28734

Plone before 5.2.3 is susceptible to XXE attacks due to a specific feature accessible only to the Manager role.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Plone allows for XXE attacks through a feature that should only be available to users with the Manager role.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Plone
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: All versions before 5.2.3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by leveraging the XXE weakness in the feature restricted to the Manager role.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-28734, follow these mitigation steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Plone version 5.2.3 or later to eliminate the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the feature to only essential roles to minimize the attack surface.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Plone installations to protect against known vulnerabilities.
Educate users on the risks of XXE attacks and implement secure coding practices.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to maintain a secure Plone environment.