CVE-2023-28821 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in Concrete CMS (previously concrete5) before version 9.1, where a rate limit for password resets was not implemented.

Understanding CVE-2023-28821

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-28821, shedding light on the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2023-28821?

CVE-2023-28821 is a security flaw in Concrete CMS (previously concrete5) versions prior to 9.1, which lacks a rate limit for password resets. This oversight could potentially be exploited by malicious actors to launch password reset attacks on user accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2023-28821

With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 5.3 (Medium), the impact of CVE-2023-28821 is considered moderate. While the confidentiality and integrity of the system are not directly impacted, there exists a low risk to the availability of the affected system due to the lack of rate limiting for password resets.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-28821

This section provides a more detailed overview of the vulnerability, including the affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and potential risks.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Concrete CMS before version 9.1 allows for password reset attacks due to the absence of a rate limit control. Attackers could repeatedly attempt password resets, potentially disrupting user access and system availability.

Affected Systems and Versions

Concrete CMS versions prior to 9.1 are affected by CVE-2023-28821. Users of these versions are at risk of unauthorized password reset attempts if exploited by threat actors.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the absence of a rate limit for password resets, attackers can inundate the system with multiple reset requests, potentially leading to a denial of service scenario or unauthorized access to user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2023-28821 and prevent any potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users of Concrete CMS should update to version 9.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement additional security measures such as CAPTCHA or multi-factor authentication to deter unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly audit and update security configurations to address any overlooked vulnerabilities.
Educate users on password security best practices to prevent successful password reset attacks.

Patching and Updates

Concrete CMS users should regularly monitor security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the vendor to address known vulnerabilities like the one identified in CVE-2023-28821.