Fork CMS Installation Page Exposure Scanner

Fork CMS is a Content Management System used widely in web development, allowing users to create and manage websites efficiently. It is utilized by developers and businesses to maintain an online presence with ease of content creation and modification. The platform is favored for its user-friendly interface and flexibility in creating dynamic websites. Open source in nature, it allows developers to customize and extend its functionalities. Fork CMS is chosen for its reliability and active community support, making it a reliable choice for small to medium-sized businesses. The system is particularly suitable for users seeking a straightforward content management solution without the complexities of more advanced platforms.

The vulnerability in question is the exposure of the Fork CMS installation page. Such exposure can allow unauthorized users to configure or install the CMS, potentially leading to data breaches. This type of exposure occurs when the installer pages meant for initial setup remain accessible after installation. Leaving these installer scripts unprotected can lead to unauthorized access, as they can be re-executed. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that these pages are inaccessible to prevent unauthorized installations or infrastructure information disclosure. Understanding this vulnerability is key to maintaining a secure implementation of Fork CMS.

The technical details revolve around the presence of installer scripts at specific URLs that, if left unsecured, can be accessed by anyone. The path, typically found at `/install/2`, allows users to mistakenly reinstall or expose settings accidentally. The vulnerability is detected when the response body includes certain keywords like "Install Fork CMS" and "Settings" alongside a 200 HTTP response status code. Ensuring these scripts are deleted after setup or restricting access through authentication measures is essential. Failing to secure these pages leaves the web application open to configuration hijacking and unauthorized control. Addressing this issue involves securing these paths to avoid any unwanted exposure.

If exploited, this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized installation or modification of the CMS. Malicious actors might obtain administrative access, leading to data theft or manipulation. The exposure could result in service disruptions if the CMS is reinstalled or misconfigured by unauthorized users. Additionally, sensitive information about the server or database configurations might be revealed. It poses a security risk not only to the web application but also to the server hosting it. Proactive measures must be taken to close this exposure and prevent exploitation by malicious parties.