CVE-2023-28820 : What You Need to Know

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in Concrete CMS (previously concrete5) before version 9.1 that exposes the system to stored XSS (cross-site scripting) attacks through the href attribute in the RSS Displayer. The issue arises due to unsanitized input within the link element.

Understanding CVE-2023-28820

Concrete CMS, specifically versions preceding 9.1, contains a vulnerability that can be exploited via stored XSS in the RSS Displayer component. This can lead to malicious scripts being executed in a victim's browser, compromising the security of the system.

What is CVE-2023-28820?

CVE-2023-28820 is a Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) entry that highlights a stored XSS vulnerability in Concrete CMS, making it susceptible to attacks through unsanitized input within the RSS Displayer's href attribute.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28820

The impact of this vulnerability is categorized as low severity with a base score of 2 according to the CVSS v3.1 metrics. While the confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are rated as low or none, the attack vector and complexity are both high, emphasizing the need for remediation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28820

The following technical details outline the vulnerability and its implications:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS before version 9.1 allows for stored XSS attacks via the href attribute in the RSS Displayer due to inadequate input sanitization.

Affected Systems and Versions

All versions of Concrete CMS prior to 9.1 are impacted by this vulnerability, exposing them to potential exploitation through stored XSS attacks within the RSS Displayer module.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can leverage the unsanitized input in the href attribute of the RSS Displayer to inject and execute malicious scripts, leading to unauthorized access and potential data theft.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-28820 and enhance system security, the following measures can be implemented:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Concrete CMS to version 9.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability and enhance system security.
Regularly monitor and audit input sanitization processes to prevent stored XSS vulnerabilities.
Educate users and administrators about the risks associated with unsanitized input and the importance of secure coding practices.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement robust security testing processes, including penetration testing, to identify and remediate vulnerabilities proactively.
Stay informed about security updates and advisories from Concrete CMS to address emerging threats promptly.
Enforce strict security policies and access controls to limit the impact of potential XSS exploits.

Patching and Updates

Concrete CMS users should prioritize applying security patches and updates released by the vendor to fortify their systems against known vulnerabilities like the stored XSS issue in CVE-2023-28820. Regularly checking for updates and promptly applying them can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.