CVE-2024-1245 in Concrete
Summary
by MITRE • 02/09/2024
Concrete CMS version 9 before 9.2.5 is vulnerable to stored XSS in file tags and description attributes since administrator entered file attributes are not sufficiently sanitized in the Edit Attributes page. A rogue administrator could put malicious code into the file tags or description attributes and, when another administrator opens the same file for editing, the malicious code could execute. The Concrete CMS Security team scored this 2.4 with CVSS v3 vector AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln-metrics/cvss/v3-calculator .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/03/2024
Concrete CMS version 9 before 9.2.5 contains a critical stored cross-site scripting vulnerability that affects the file management functionality within the administrative interface. This vulnerability exists in the Edit Attributes page where file tags and description attributes are processed and stored without adequate input sanitization measures. The flaw allows a malicious actor with administrator privileges to inject persistent malicious scripts into file metadata that will execute whenever other administrators view or edit those files. The vulnerability is classified as a stored XSS attack because the malicious code is permanently stored on the server and executed each time the affected file attributes are accessed, rather than being reflected in a single request. The CVSS v3 score of 2.4 indicates a low severity rating, but this assessment may be misleading given the privileged nature of the attack vector and the potential for further exploitation within the administrative environment.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient validation and sanitization of user inputs within the file attribute management system. When administrators enter data into the tags or description fields through the Edit Attributes interface, the application fails to properly escape or filter special characters that could be interpreted as executable code by web browsers. This lack of input sanitization creates an environment where malicious payloads can be embedded within legitimate file metadata. The vulnerability specifically targets the administrative interface where file attributes are managed, making it particularly dangerous because it requires minimal privileges to exploit - only administrative access to the CMS system. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary scripts in the context of other administrators' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, privilege escalation, or data exfiltration. The attack requires a rogue administrator to be present within the system, but once established, it can be used to compromise other administrative sessions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it represents a significant threat to the integrity and security of the entire Concrete CMS administrative environment. When a malicious administrator injects code into file attributes, any other administrator who accesses those files for editing or viewing becomes a potential victim of the stored XSS attack. This creates a persistent threat vector that can remain active for extended periods without detection, as the malicious code is embedded within legitimate file metadata rather than appearing in obvious locations. The vulnerability undermines the trust model within the administrative interface, as legitimate users may unknowingly execute malicious code while performing routine file management tasks. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where multiple administrators have access to the CMS system, as the attack can propagate through the administrative workforce. This type of vulnerability can facilitate further attacks such as credential theft, session manipulation, or even lateral movement within the network if the administrative system has broader access permissions.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this stored XSS vulnerability in Concrete CMS installations. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to version 9.2.5 or later, which includes proper input sanitization and validation measures for file attributes. Additionally, administrators should review and restrict administrative privileges to minimize the attack surface, ensuring that only essential personnel have access to the file management functionality. Implementing Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be executed within the administrative interface. Regular security audits of administrative interfaces should be conducted to identify and remediate similar input validation weaknesses. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and it can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious input patterns that could indicate attempts to exploit this or similar vulnerabilities.