CVE-2023-26782 in mccms
Summary
by MITRE • 04/28/2023
An issue discovered in mccms 2.6.1 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service via Backend management interface ->System Configuration->Cache Configuration->Cache security characters.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/12/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-26782 affects the mccms content management system version 2.6.1 and represents a denial of service weakness that can be exploited through the backend management interface. This flaw specifically manifests within the System Configuration section under Cache Configuration where the Cache security characters functionality can be manipulated by remote attackers to disrupt service availability. The vulnerability resides in the improper handling of input parameters within the cache configuration module, creating a pathway for malicious actors to trigger system instability.
This security flaw falls under the category of improper input validation as classified by CWE-20, where the application fails to adequately sanitize or validate user-supplied data before processing it within the cache security character configuration. The backend management interface serves as the attack surface where remote adversaries can submit crafted payloads through the cache configuration parameters, potentially leading to resource exhaustion or application crashes. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates within the system configuration management area, which typically requires elevated privileges and represents a critical administrative function.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption as it can effectively render the content management system unavailable to legitimate users and administrators. When exploited, the denial of service condition can prevent authorized personnel from accessing critical system configuration settings, potentially leading to extended downtime and operational disruption. The attack vector requires remote access to the backend management interface, which means that unauthorized individuals with knowledge of the system configuration can exploit this weakness without physical access to the server infrastructure. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where administrative interfaces are accessible over the internet.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 which covers network denial of service attacks through resource exhaustion. The flaw represents a path for attackers to consume system resources or trigger application-level errors that prevent legitimate service access. Organizations utilizing mccms 2.6.1 should consider implementing network segmentation controls to limit access to administrative interfaces, along with monitoring for unusual activity patterns in system configuration modules. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation in administrative interfaces and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of configuration management components. Mitigation strategies should include immediate patching to the latest version of mccms, implementing access controls for administrative interfaces, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect potential exploitation attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability suggests that the cache security character validation process lacks proper boundary checks and input sanitization. Attackers can likely submit malformed or excessively long character sequences that cause the system to process these inputs in a way that leads to resource exhaustion or application instability. This type of weakness is common in legacy systems where input validation was not thoroughly implemented or where security considerations were not prioritized during development phases. The vulnerability's presence in version 2.6.1 indicates that it may have existed for some time, making it a persistent risk for organizations that have not updated their systems.
Organizations should prioritize patch management procedures to address this vulnerability, as it represents a clear path for remote attackers to cause operational disruption. The recommended approach includes implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative interfaces, limiting access to trusted networks only, and establishing automated monitoring for suspicious configuration changes. Additionally, security teams should conduct regular penetration testing to identify similar weaknesses in other administrative components of their systems. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of validating all user inputs within administrative interfaces and implementing proper error handling to prevent exploitation of resource consumption weaknesses.