CVE-2022-21829 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This article discusses CVE-2022-21829, a vulnerability found in Concrete CMS versions 9.0.0 through 9.0.2 and 8.5.7 and below.

Understanding CVE-2022-21829

CVE-2022-21829 is a security flaw in Concrete CMS that allows attackers to download zip files over HTTP and execute malicious code, potentially leading to a Remote Code Execution (RCE) threat.

What is CVE-2022-21829?

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS versions 9.0.0 through 9.0.2 and 8.5.7 and below enables threat actors to retrieve zip files over unencrypted HTTP connections and run arbitrary code from these files, posing a severe security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21829

The exploitation of this vulnerability could result in an RCE scenario, where cybercriminals can execute unauthorized commands on the affected system, compromising its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The Concrete CMS security team has rated this vulnerability with a CVSS v3.1 score of 8.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21829

The following technical details shed light on the aspects of CVE-2022-21829.

Vulnerability Description

Concrete CMS versions 9.0.0 through 9.0.2 and 8.5.7 and below lack proper validation mechanisms, allowing attackers to download and execute zip files over insecure HTTP channels, opening the door to RCE attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

The affected versions of Concrete CMS include 9.0.0 through 9.0.2 and 8.5.7 and below. To mitigate the risk, users are advised to update to Concrete CMS versions 8.5.8 and 9.1.0, where the vulnerability has been remediated.

Exploitation Mechanism

Threat actors leverage the lack of secure handling in Concrete CMS versions 9.0.0 through 9.0.2 and 8.5.7 and below to download zip files over unencrypted HTTP connections, enabling them to execute malicious code and exploit the RCE vulnerability.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2022-21829 and enhance the security posture of Concrete CMS installations, the following mitigation strategies are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are strongly advised to upgrade their Concrete CMS installations to the patched versions 8.5.8 and 9.1.0 to prevent potential exploitation of the vulnerability and ensure a secure environment.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about security updates are essential to prevent future vulnerabilities and protect systems from malicious actors.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches released by Concrete CMS and keeping the software up to date is crucial to ensure that known vulnerabilities are addressed promptly and the system remains protected against emerging threats.