CVE-2021-32648: October CMS Improper Authentication
Impact
An attacker can request an account password reset and then gain access to the account using a specially crafted request.
- To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must know the username of an administrator and have access to the password reset form.
Patches
- Issue has been patched in Build 472 and v1.1.5 - Shortened patch instructions
Workarounds
Apply https://github.com/octobercms/library/commit/016a297b1bec55d2e53bc889458ed2cb5c3e9374 and https://github.com/octobercms/library/commit/5bd1a28140b825baebe6becd4f7562299d3de3b9 to your installation manually if you are unable to upgrade.
[Update 2022-01-20] Shortened patch instructions can be found here.
Recommendations
We recommend the following steps to make sure your server stays secure:
- Keep server OS and system software up to date. - Keep October CMS software up to date. - Use a multi-factor authentication plugin. - Change the default backend URL or block public access to the backend area. - Include the Roave/SecurityAdvisories Composer package to ensure that your application doesn't have installed dependencies with known security vulnerabilities.
References
Bugs found as part of Solar Security CMS Research. Credits to: • Andrey Basarygin • Andrey Guzei • Mikhail Khramenkov • Alexander Sidukov • Maxim Teplykh
For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: Email us at hello@octobercms.com
Other sources
In affected versions of the october/system package an attacker can request an account password reset and then gain access to the account using a specially crafted request.
— CISA
Affected Software
Remediation
Recommended actions to resolve this vulnerability, in priority order.
- Upgrade
Upgrade
composer/october/systemto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.1.5 - Upgrade
Upgrade
composer/october/systemto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Fixed in 1.0.472 - Upgrade
Upgrade
octobercms/libraryto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch 016a297b1bec55d2e53bc889458ed2cb5c3e9374 - Upgrade
Upgrade
octobercms/libraryto a version that resolves this vulnerability.Patch 5bd1a28140b825baebe6becd4f7562299d3de3b9 - Configuration
Change the default backend URL (see config/cms.php) to a non-default value or otherwise block public access to the backend area.
October CMS default backend URL = change from default or block access - Configuration
Install and enable a multi-factor authentication plugin for backend accounts.
October CMS MFA plugin = installed/enabled - Configuration
Include the Roave/SecurityAdvisories Composer package (require roave/security-advisories) to prevent installation of known-vulnerable dependencies.
Composer require = roave/security-advisories - Compensating control
Restrict access to the October CMS backend (for example via firewall, WAF, or IP allowlist) to trusted IPs or internal networks; block public access to the backend area.
- Operational
Keep server OS, system software, and October CMS installations up to date.
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-32648?
CVE-2021-32648 is a vulnerability in October CMS that allows an attacker to gain unauthorized access to an account using a specially crafted request.
How can an attacker exploit CVE-2021-32648?
An attacker can exploit CVE-2021-32648 by requesting an account password reset and then gaining access to the account using a specially crafted request.
What is the severity of CVE-2021-32648?
CVE-2021-32648 has a severity rating of 9.1 (Critical).
Which versions of October CMS are affected by CVE-2021-32648?
Versions 1.0.471 to 1.0.472 and 1.1.1 to 1.1.5 of October CMS are affected by CVE-2021-32648.
How can I fix CVE-2021-32648?
CVE-2021-32648 has been patched in Build 472 and version 1.1.5 of October CMS, so updating to these versions will fix the vulnerability.