CVE-2020-29553 : Security Advisory and Response

Grav CMS through 1.7.0-rc.17 is vulnerable to a CSRF attack that allows an attacker to execute system commands by tricking an admin into visiting a malicious website.

Understanding CVE-2020-29553

This CVE identifies a critical security vulnerability in Grav CMS that can lead to unauthorized command execution.

What is CVE-2020-29553?

The Scheduler component in Grav CMS up to version 1.7.0-rc.17 is susceptible to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) attack. This exploit enables malicious actors to execute arbitrary system commands by deceiving an administrator into accessing a specially crafted website.

The Impact of CVE-2020-29553

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in severe consequences, including unauthorized access to sensitive information, data manipulation, and potential system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-29553

Grasping the technical aspects of this CVE is crucial for understanding its implications and implementing effective mitigation strategies.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in the Scheduler functionality of Grav CMS allows threat actors to execute system commands through CSRF, posing a significant security risk to affected systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Grav CMS
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: All versions up to 1.7.0-rc.17

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability leverages a CSRF attack vector, exploiting the Scheduler feature to execute unauthorized system commands when an admin unwittingly visits a malicious website.

Mitigation and Prevention

Addressing CVE-2020-29553 promptly is essential to safeguard systems and data from potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Administrators should refrain from clicking on untrusted links or visiting suspicious websites to mitigate the risk of CSRF attacks.
Implementing web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms can help prevent unauthorized command execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regular security training for administrators to raise awareness about social engineering tactics and phishing attempts.
Conducting thorough security assessments and audits to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Users are advised to update Grav CMS to the latest version to patch the vulnerability and enhance system security.