Information Disclosure via X-CMS Header

Description

The 'X-CMS' header often reveals which Content Management System (CMS) the application uses, potentially exposing the specific type or version. Attackers can leverage this information to target known vulnerabilities, default configurations, or unpatched plugins associated with that CMS. By narrowing their focus to a particular platform, malicious actors may craft more sophisticated attacks, conduct social engineering, or seek publicly disclosed exploits. Disclosing this header ultimately expands the application's attack surface by advertising critical technology details.

Remediation

Remove or obscure the 'X-CMS' header to avoid revealing CMS details. Check your server or CMS configuration to ensure that additional identifying headers are not leaked. If you use reverse proxies or CDNs, configure them to drop or rewrite any outgoing headers that disclose internal platform names or versions. Keep the CMS and its plugins regularly updated, applying security patches promptly to mitigate known exploits. Additionally, consider employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or intrusion detection system to identify and block suspicious requests targeting specific CMS flaws. Conduct periodic security assessments to confirm that no unnecessary platform information is revealed.

References

Severity

Owasp

Code: A05:2021

Category: Security Misconfiguration

Classification