CVE-2023-28475 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability found in Concrete CMS (previously known as concrete5) versions 8.5.12 and below, as well as versions 9.0 through 9.1.3. The vulnerability exposes these versions to Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) on the Reply form due to the lack of sanitization for the msgID parameter.

Understanding CVE-2023-28475

This section delves into what CVE-2023-28475 entails, its impact, technical details, and measures for mitigation and prevention.

What is CVE-2023-28475?

The CVE-2023-28475 vulnerability affects specific versions of Concrete CMS, leaving them susceptible to Reflected XSS through the Reply form. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to inject malicious scripts into webpages viewed by other users, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure or manipulation.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28475

The impact of CVE-2023-28475 can be significant, as it exposes vulnerable versions of Concrete CMS to potential XSS attacks. If successfully exploited, attackers can execute malicious scripts within a user's browser, compromising the confidentiality and integrity of the user's data.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28475

This section provides a breakdown of the vulnerability, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS versions 8.5.12 and below, and versions 9.0 through 9.1.3 arises from the lack of proper sanitization for the msgID parameter in the Reply form. This oversight enables attackers to craft malicious URLs containing JavaScript that gets executed when a user interacts with the vulnerable form.

Affected Systems and Versions

Concrete CMS versions 8.5.12 and below, and versions 9.0 through 9.1.3 are confirmed to be affected by CVE-2023-28475. Users of these versions are urged to take immediate action to address this security issue.

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2023-28475, attackers can craft a specially-crafted URL containing malicious JavaScript code and trick unsuspecting users into clicking on the URL. When the target user interacts with the compromised form, the malicious script executes within the user's browser, leading to potential XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines crucial steps to mitigate the effects of CVE-2023-28475 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Concrete CMS versions 8.5.12 and below, and versions 9.0 through 9.1.3 should apply security updates provided by the vendor promptly. Additionally, users are advised to monitor their systems for any signs of unauthorized activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and educating users on safe browsing habits can help mitigate the risks associated with XSS vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-28475. Continuous monitoring and prompt patching of security flaws are also recommended.

Patching and Updates

Concrete CMS users are encouraged to stay informed about security advisories and updates released by the vendor to address vulnerabilities such as CVE-2023-28475. Timely installation of patches and updates is crucial to maintaining a secure CMS environment.