CVE-2025-2964 in ConcreteCMS
Summary
by MITRE • 03/31/2025
A vulnerability, which was classified as problematic, was found in ConcreteCMS up to 9.3.9. Affected is the function Save of the component FAQ Block Handler. The manipulation of the argument Navigation/Title Text/Description Source leads to cross site scripting. It is possible to launch the attack remotely. The exploit has been disclosed to the public and may be used. The vendor was contacted early about this disclosure but did not respond in any way.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/31/2025
This vulnerability exists within ConcreteCMS version 9.3.9 and earlier, specifically affecting the FAQ Block Handler component's Save function. The flaw manifests when processing the Navigation/Title Text/Description Source arguments, creating a cross-site scripting vulnerability that allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. The issue represents a classic server-side input validation failure where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to clients. This vulnerability is particularly concerning as it enables remote code execution through web browser manipulation, making it accessible to attackers without requiring local system access or privileged accounts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate output encoding and input validation within the FAQ block handler's save functionality. When administrators or content creators input data into the navigation title text or description source fields, the system fails to properly escape special characters that could be interpreted as HTML or JavaScript code. This weakness allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through crafted input that bypasses standard security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform various malicious activities including credential theft, session manipulation, and redirection to malicious sites. Attackers can craft payloads that exploit this vulnerability by submitting specially formatted data through the FAQ block handler interface, which then gets stored and executed when other users view the affected pages. This creates a persistent threat vector that can remain active until the vulnerability is patched or mitigated. The remote exploitation capability means that attackers can target systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or network proximity.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in the context of CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application attack vector under the T1190 technique for exploiting web applications, potentially leading to privilege escalation and persistent access. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including input validation, output encoding, and regular security updates to prevent exploitation. The lack of vendor response to early disclosure further compounds the risk, as users may be left without official patches or guidance for protecting their systems against this known vulnerability.