CVE-2021-28145 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2021-28145, a vulnerability in Concrete CMS allowing XSS attacks by remote authenticated users via survey blocks. Mitigation and patching details included.
Concrete CMS (formerly concrete5) before version 8.5.5 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack that allows remote authenticated users to exploit a crafted survey block. This security flaw can be exploited by users with at least Editor privileges.
Understanding CVE-2021-28145
This section provides an overview of the CVE-2021-28145 vulnerability, its impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.
What is CVE-2021-28145?
CVE-2021-28145 is a security vulnerability in Concrete CMS that enables remote authenticated users to perform XSS attacks through a specially crafted survey block. The vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 8.5.5.
The Impact of CVE-2021-28145
The vulnerability poses a risk of XSS attacks, allowing malicious users to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-28145
In this section, we delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
Concrete CMS versions before 8.5.5 are susceptible to XSS attacks when handling specially crafted survey blocks. Remote authenticated attackers with Editor privileges can inject malicious scripts into web pages.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability impacts all versions of Concrete CMS before 8.5.5. Users with vulnerable installations are at risk of exploitation by authenticated attackers.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the content of survey blocks, leading to the execution of malicious scripts in the context of an authenticated user's session.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn about the measures to mitigate the impact of CVE-2021-28145 and prevent similar security incidents in the future.
Immediate Steps to Take
Concrete CMS users should upgrade to version 8.5.5 or later to address the vulnerability. Additionally, users are advised to monitor for any malicious activities on their websites.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict input validation and sanitization practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and updates can help in maintaining a secure web environment.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security patches and updates released by Concrete CMS to address vulnerabilities promptly and ensure the security of your CMS installation.