CVE-2023-28476 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability identified in Concrete CMS (previously known as concrete5) versions 9.0 through 9.1.3, which exposes a risk of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) on Tags associated with uploaded files.

Understanding CVE-2023-28476

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2023-28476, outlining its nature and impact on systems.

What is CVE-2023-28476?

CVE-2023-28476 is a vulnerability found in Concrete CMS versions 9.0 through 9.1.3 that could potentially allow an attacker to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through Tags linked to uploaded files. This could lead to unauthorized script execution within the context of a user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28476

The presence of this vulnerability could result in malicious actors injecting harmful scripts into the system, leading to unauthorized actions being performed, such as stealing sensitive data, cookie theft, or initiating phishing attacks on users accessing the compromised files.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28476

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-28476, including the vulnerability description, affected systems, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS versions 9.0 through 9.1.3 allows for the execution of Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks via Tags associated with uploaded files, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected product in this case is Concrete CMS versions 9.0 through 9.1.3. Users utilizing these versions may be susceptible to the Stored XSS vulnerability when dealing with Tags on uploaded files.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves crafting malicious Tags containing scripts that, when accessed by users within the system, can trigger the execution of unauthorized actions, posing a significant risk to the confidentiality and availability of data.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-28476, it is essential to implement immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and apply relevant patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to exercise caution when interacting with Tags associated with uploaded files in Concrete CMS versions 9.0 through 9.1.3, and refrain from accessing potentially malicious content that could trigger XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

In the long term, organizations and individuals should prioritize regular security audits, continuous monitoring of system vulnerabilities, and the implementation of robust security measures to prevent and detect potential XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Concrete CMS users are strongly encouraged to install security patches and updates released by the vendor to address the CVE-2023-28476 vulnerability. Keeping the system up-to-date with the latest fixes and ensuring prompt implementation of security updates is crucial in fortifying the system against potential exploits.