CVE-2023-6380 : What You Need to Know

This CVE-2023-6380 involves an Open redirect vulnerability found in the Open CMS product. The vulnerability affects versions 14 and 15 of the 'Mercury' template. Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by crafting a malicious URL to redirect users to a harmful site, leading to potential compromise.

Understanding CVE-2023-6380

This section delves into the details of the Open redirect vulnerability present in Alkacon Software OpenCms.

What is CVE-2023-6380?

The CVE-2023-6380 vulnerability is classified as an Open redirect flaw in the Open CMS product. Specifically impacting versions 14 and 15 of the 'Mercury' template, it allows attackers to manipulate URLs to redirect users unknowingly to malicious websites, potentially compromising their security.

The Impact of CVE-2023-6380

The impact of CVE-2023-6380, also known as CAPEC-178 Cross-Site Flashing, can have serious consequences. With a CVSS v3.1 base score of 6.1 (medium severity), this vulnerability poses a threat to confidentiality and integrity as attackers can conduct nefarious activities without authentication requirements.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-6380

Exploring the technical aspects of the CVE-2023-6380 Open redirect vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The Open redirect vulnerability in Open CMS arises from improper sanitization of the 'URI' parameter in versions 14 and 15 of the 'Mercury' template. This flaw enables threat actors to craft URLs that lead users to malicious sites, exploiting their trust and potentially compromising their systems.

Affected Systems and Versions

Systems using OpenCms versions 14 and 15 with the 'Mercury' template are susceptible to this Open redirect vulnerability. It is crucial for users of these versions to be aware of the risks posed by this flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting CVE-2023-6380 involves malicious actors manipulating URLs and leveraging the lack of proper 'URI' parameter sanitization. By sending specially crafted URLs to users, attackers can trick them into visiting malicious sites, opening the door to potential security breaches.

Mitigation and Prevention

Understanding how to mitigate and prevent the risks associated with CVE-2023-6380 is crucial for maintaining system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update their OpenCms installations to version 16, where the vulnerabilities related to the Open redirect flaw have been addressed. Additionally, users are advised to be cautious when clicking on URLs and to avoid interacting with suspicious links.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing robust URL validation and sanitization practices within the application code can help prevent similar Open redirect vulnerabilities in the future. Regular security audits and training for developers and users on identifying phishing attempts can also enhance overall security posture.

Patching and Updates

Regularly applying security patches and updates for software components, such as OpenCms, is essential to address known vulnerabilities and strengthen system defenses against potential threats. Keeping abreast of security advisories and best practices is fundamental to safeguarding digital assets from exploitation.