CVE-2020-8420 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in Joomla! before 3.9.15. A missing CSRF token check in the LESS compiler of com_templates causes a CSRF vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2020-8420

This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in Joomla! that could be exploited through a CSRF attack.

What is CVE-2020-8420?

The vulnerability in Joomla! before version 3.9.15 allows attackers to exploit a missing CSRF token check in the LESS compiler of com_templates, leading to a CSRF vulnerability.

The Impact of CVE-2020-8420

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to perform Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks, potentially compromising the security and integrity of Joomla! websites.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-8420

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a missing CSRF token check in the LESS compiler of com_templates in Joomla! versions prior to 3.9.15.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Joomla!
Vendor: Joomla!
Versions affected: All versions before 3.9.15

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by crafting malicious requests to the affected component, bypassing CSRF protection mechanisms.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Joomla! to version 3.9.15 or later to patch the CSRF vulnerability.
Implement CSRF protection mechanisms in web applications to prevent such attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software components to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Joomla! promptly to ensure the protection of your website against CSRF attacks.