CVE-2023-48648 : Security Advisory and Response

A security vulnerability has been identified in Concrete CMS versions before 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2 that could allow unauthorized access due to insecure directory permissions.

Understanding CVE-2023-48648

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2023-48648 vulnerability in Concrete CMS.

What is CVE-2023-48648?

CVE-2023-48648 affects Concrete CMS versions before 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2, enabling unauthorized access through insecure directory permissions. Specific functions lead to excessive permissions on created directories, posing a risk to the system's security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-48648

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to the system due to the default universal access granted to directories. This could result in unauthorized file manipulation, data theft, or further exploitation of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-48648

Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-48648 vulnerability to understand its implications.

Vulnerability Description

Concrete CMS versions are susceptible to unauthorized access because directory creation functions provide excessive permissions to directories by default. This could lead to security breaches and unauthorized activities within the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

All Concrete CMS versions before 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2 are impacted by CVE-2023-48648. Users of these versions are advised to take immediate action to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access and potential exploitation.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability stems from how directories are created in Concrete CMS, granting unintended access privileges to malicious users. Exploitation can occur through improper directory permission settings, leading to unauthorized operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to mitigate the CVE-2023-48648 vulnerability and secure your Concrete CMS installation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their Concrete CMS installations to versions 8.5.13 or 9.2.2 to address the insecure directory permissions and prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, reviewing and adjusting directory permissions can help limit the risk of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about security updates can enhance the overall security posture of the Concrete CMS deployment. Training users on security best practices is also crucial to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Concrete CMS has released patches in versions 8.5.13 and 9.2.2 to address the CVE-2023-48648 vulnerability. Users are strongly advised to apply these patches promptly to protect their systems from unauthorized access and potential security breaches.