CMS Made Simple Exposure Scanner

CMS Made Simple is a popular content management system used by web developers and site administrators for creating, managing, and deploying website content. It is widely employed in both small and large scale business websites due to its flexibility and ease of use. The application provides a user-friendly interface for non-technical users, allowing them to create dynamic websites without extensive programming knowledge. Its robust template system and modular architecture make it an ideal choice for developers looking to customize and extend functionality. Additionally, CMS Made Simple supports multiple languages, making it suitable for global businesses. It is maintained by a dedicated team ensuring regular updates and improvements.

Installation Page Exposure is a common vulnerability where installation scripts or pages are left accessible post-deployment, leading to potential security breaches. When the installation page remains public, it provides an entry point for attackers to gather sensitive information or potentially compromise the system. This exposure is particularly risky with CMS platforms, where configuration details can be revealed. Such vulnerabilities can be exploited to conduct further attacks or to install unauthorized software. The exposure risk increases with CMS systems due to their widespread usage. Securing installation pages is crucial to mitigate unauthorized access and data leaks.

The technical details of this vulnerability indicate that the installation directory or page is publicly accessible without authentication. When accessed, it typically allows the attacker to view or utilize the setup functions meant for initial configuration, which should not be exposed after the installation process is completed. An exposed installation page can attract automated bots and threat actors seeking to exploit misconfigurations. Therefore, probing for specific URL paths, such as "/install/," along with checking for relevant server responses like status code 200, is a common methodology for detecting this issue. The vulnerability detection takes advantage of this predictable pattern to identify security weaknesses.

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow unauthorized users to reset or configure the CMS system, leading to potential data breaches and unauthorized access control. It can result in severe reputational damage if the website is hijacked or defaced. The theft of database credentials or admin passwords could lead to full system compromise. Attackers might be able to exploit the system for phishing attacks or deploy malware, affecting site visitors. Furthermore, an open installation page can be a gateway to access other parts of the infrastructure, amplifying network vulnerabilities. Timely detection and remediation are crucial to prevent these adverse outcomes.

REFERENCES

• https://www.cmsmadesimple.org/