CVE-2021-22953 : Security Advisory and Response

A CSRF vulnerability in Concrete CMS version 8.5.5 and below has been identified, allowing an attacker to clone topics, leading to UI inconvenience and disk space exhaustion. The issue was discovered by the Solar Security Research Team.

Understanding CVE-2021-22953

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-22953.

What is CVE-2021-22953?

The CVE-2021-22953 vulnerability pertains to a Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in Concrete CMS version 8.5.5 and below. This security flaw enables malicious actors to clone topics, potentially causing UI disruptions and disk space saturation.

The Impact of CVE-2021-22953

The CSRF vulnerability in Concrete CMS version 8.5.5 and earlier versions poses a significant risk, allowing attackers to perform unauthorized actions of cloning topics. This can result in user interface inconvenience and lead to the exhaustion of disk space, impacting the system's performance and usability.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-22953

Let's delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS version 8.5.5 and below enables attackers to execute CSRF attacks, manipulating the system to clone topics without proper authorization. This can disrupt the platform's functionality and resource allocation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Concrete CMS version 8.5.5 and prior versions are susceptible to this CSRF vulnerability. Organizations using these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CSRF flaw by crafting malicious requests that trick authenticated users into unintentionally performing actions, like cloning topics. This can be achieved through social engineering tactics or by enticing users to click on specially crafted links.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the essential steps to safeguard your systems against CVE-2021-22953 and prevent potential security breaches.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2021-22953, users should update Concrete CMS to the fixed version 8.5.6. Additionally, organizations are advised to monitor system activities for any suspicious behavior and implement security measures to prevent CSRF attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Developing a robust security posture involves educating users on CSRF risks, implementing secure coding practices, and regularly updating systems to patch any known vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate weaknesses proactively.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates, along with staying informed about the latest security advisories, is crucial to maintaining a secure environment. Continuous monitoring and prompt action against potential threats are vital to safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring system integrity.