CVE-2023-48648 is a critical vulnerability affecting Concrete CMS versions prior to 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2. This vulnerability allows unauthorized access because directories can be created with insecure permissions. Specifically, file creation functions—such as the Mkdir() function—default to providing universal access (0777) to created folders. The risk is exacerbated when directories are created with permissions greater than 0755 or when the permissions argument is not specified.
With a CVSS score of 9.8, this vulnerability is classified as critical, indicating a high level of risk to organizations. The attack vector is network-based, and the complexity is low, meaning that attackers can exploit this vulnerability without needing any special privileges or user interaction. The implications of this vulnerability are severe, as it can lead to high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts.
Organizations using affected versions of Concrete CMS must prioritize patching immediately. The vulnerability can be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access, which may lead to data breaches or further system compromises. The urgency for defenders is underscored by the critical nature of the vulnerability and its potential for widespread impact.
It is essential for organizations to assess their systems and ensure they are running the latest versions of Concrete CMS to mitigate this risk effectively.
Vulnerability Details
According to the CVE description, Concrete CMS versions prior to 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2 are affected by this vulnerability due to their handling of directory permissions. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-276, which pertains to improper handling of permissions leading to unauthorized access.
The CVSS score of 9.8 reflects the critical nature of this vulnerability. The attack vector is classified as network, with low attack complexity and no required privileges or user interaction. This highlights the ease with which an attacker could exploit this vulnerability, making it particularly concerning for organizations.
Concrete CMS is a widely used content management system, and the potential for unauthorized access due to this vulnerability makes it imperative for users to address it as quickly as possible.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the default permissions applied to newly created directories. The Mkdir() function, which is responsible for creating directories, does not enforce strict permission settings, allowing excessive permissions (0777) by default. This oversight can lead to unauthorized access, as users may inadvertently create directories that are accessible by all users.
The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker does not need to be physically present within the network to exploit the vulnerability. The low attack complexity indicates that the exploitation process does not require sophisticated techniques or tools, making it accessible to a wide range of potential attackers.
Additionally, the vulnerability does not require any privileges to exploit, meaning that even unauthenticated users could potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive directories. User interaction is also not required, further simplifying the attack process.
The impacts are significant; the vulnerability can lead to high confidentiality loss, integrity loss, and availability loss, as sensitive information may be exposed or altered without authorization.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with this vulnerability is substantial. Organizations utilizing Concrete CMS are at risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data, which could lead to severe consequences including data breaches, reputational damage, and legal liabilities. The critical CVSS score clearly indicates the potential for widespread damage if the vulnerability is exploited.
The urgency for organizations to act is further underscored by the nature of the vulnerability. Given that it can be exploited remotely without the need for special privileges, the blast radius for potential attacks is extensive. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability could compromise multiple systems within the organization, leading to a cascading effect of security incidents.
In light of the current threat landscape, organizations must prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management cycles. The potential consequences of inaction are too severe to ignore, necessitating immediate remediation efforts.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of Concrete CMS include all versions prior to 8.5.13 and 9.x before 9.2.2. If you are running an affected version, it is crucial to upgrade to the latest version to ensure that your system is secure.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should immediately upgrade to Concrete CMS version 8.5.13 or 9.2.2 and above. Detailed patch information can be found in the release notes. Organizations unable to apply the patch should consider implementing configuration hardening measures to restrict directory permissions and monitor for any unauthorized access attempts.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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