mitigations.md

Mitigation Strategies Analysis for octobercms/october

Mitigation Strategy: Regularly Update Plugins

Description: 1. Access the OctoberCMS Backend: Log in to the OctoberCMS backend as an administrator. 2. Navigate to the Updates Section: In the backend menu, go to "Settings" -> "Updates". 3. Check for Updates: Click the "Check for updates" button. OctoberCMS will check for available updates for the core platform, plugins, and themes. 4. Review Available Updates: Examine the list of available updates, focusing on plugin updates. 5. Apply Updates: Click the "Update" button to apply plugin updates. 6. Test Plugin Functionality: After updating, test the functionalities provided by the updated plugins to ensure they work as expected and no regressions were introduced. 7. Schedule Regular Updates: Establish a schedule for regularly checking and applying plugin updates within the OctoberCMS backend. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: High reduction. Patches known vulnerabilities in plugins, directly reducing exploitability. * Currently Implemented: No - Plugin updates are manual and inconsistent. * Missing Implementation: Consistent schedule and potentially automated notifications for plugin updates within OctoberCMS.

Mitigation Strategy: Choose Plugins from Trusted Sources

Description: 1. Utilize OctoberCMS Marketplace: Primarily search for and install plugins from the official OctoberCMS Marketplace. 2. Evaluate Developer Reputation: For marketplace plugins or plugins from other sources, research the developer's reputation within the OctoberCMS community. Check their marketplace profile, website, and community forum presence. 3. Review Plugin Ratings and Reviews: Read plugin ratings and reviews on the OctoberCMS Marketplace to gauge user experiences and identify potential issues. 4. Check Plugin Compatibility and Support: Ensure the plugin is compatible with your OctoberCMS version and has active support channels (marketplace support, forums, etc.). 5. Exercise Caution with External Sources: Be extremely cautious when considering plugins from sources outside the official marketplace. Verify the source's credibility and the plugin's code quality. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Malicious Plugins - Severity: High * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Reduces the likelihood of installing plugins with inherent vulnerabilities. * Malicious Plugins: High reduction. Significantly lowers the risk of installing intentionally harmful plugins. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Developers are generally encouraged to use marketplace, but no formal vetting process exists. * Missing Implementation: Formal guidelines for plugin source vetting and risk assessment.

Mitigation Strategy: Security Audits of Plugins

Description: 1. Identify Critical OctoberCMS Plugins: Determine plugins that handle sensitive data or core application logic within your OctoberCMS application. 2. Internal Code Review (if feasible): If your team has the expertise, conduct internal code reviews of critical plugin source code, focusing on common web vulnerabilities within the OctoberCMS context. 3. External OctoberCMS Security Experts: Engage cybersecurity experts experienced with OctoberCMS plugin security for professional audits and penetration testing of high-risk plugins. 4. Focus on OctoberCMS Specific Vulnerabilities: Audits should specifically look for vulnerabilities common in OctoberCMS plugins, such as insecure usage of OctoberCMS APIs, improper data handling within the OctoberCMS framework, and theme integration issues. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Zero-Day Plugin Vulnerabilities (proactive detection) - Severity: High * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: High reduction. Proactively identifies and addresses vulnerabilities before exploitation. * Zero-Day Plugin Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Increases chances of finding and mitigating unknown vulnerabilities. * Currently Implemented: No - Plugin security audits are not performed. * Missing Implementation: Establish a process for security audits, especially for critical OctoberCMS plugins, potentially involving external experts.

Mitigation Strategy: Minimize Plugin Usage

Description: 1. Review Installed OctoberCMS Plugins: Regularly review the "Plugins" section in the OctoberCMS backend ("Settings" -> "Plugins"). 2. Evaluate Core OctoberCMS Alternatives: Before installing a new plugin, consider if the functionality can be achieved using OctoberCMS core features, custom components, or by extending existing OctoberCMS functionalities. 3. Consolidate OctoberCMS Plugin Functionality: If multiple plugins offer similar features, evaluate if they can be replaced by a single, more comprehensive OctoberCMS plugin or custom solution. 4. Uninstall Unnecessary OctoberCMS Plugins: Uninstall plugins through the OctoberCMS backend ("Settings" -> "Plugins" -> "Uninstall") that are no longer required. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Attack Surface Reduction - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Fewer plugins mean fewer potential vulnerabilities within the OctoberCMS ecosystem. * Attack Surface Reduction: Moderate reduction. Reduces the overall attack surface of the OctoberCMS application. * Currently Implemented: No - No formal process for plugin minimization. * Missing Implementation: Implement a regular review process for installed OctoberCMS plugins and guidelines for minimizing their usage.

Mitigation Strategy: Monitor Plugin Security Advisories

Description: 1. Identify OctoberCMS Plugin Developers: For each installed plugin (viewable in "Settings" -> "Plugins"), identify the developer or source (often linked in the plugin description within the OctoberCMS backend). 2. Follow OctoberCMS Community Channels: Monitor the official OctoberCMS blog, forums, and community channels for security announcements related to plugins. 3. Check Plugin Marketplace/GitHub (if applicable): For plugins from the OctoberCMS Marketplace or GitHub, check for dedicated security announcement sections or issue trackers. 4. Utilize OctoberCMS Security Resources: Leverage any official OctoberCMS security resources or mailing lists that might announce plugin vulnerabilities. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Zero-Day Plugin Vulnerabilities (early warning) - Severity: High * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Provides early warnings for timely patching within the OctoberCMS environment. * Zero-Day Plugin Vulnerabilities: Low reduction. May provide early information if disclosed publicly in OctoberCMS channels. * Currently Implemented: No - No systematic monitoring of OctoberCMS plugin advisories. * Missing Implementation: Establish a system for monitoring OctoberCMS specific security advisories related to plugins.

Mitigation Strategy: Implement a Plugin Vulnerability Scanning Process

Description: 1. Choose an OctoberCMS Compatible Scanner: Select a vulnerability scanner capable of analyzing PHP code and ideally, understanding the OctoberCMS plugin structure. 2. Integrate into OctoberCMS Development Workflow: Integrate the scanner into your development and deployment processes for OctoberCMS applications. 3. Scan OctoberCMS Plugin Directories: Configure the scanner to specifically analyze the plugin directories within your OctoberCMS installation. 4. Automate OctoberCMS Plugin Scans: Automate scans to run regularly or as part of your OctoberCMS deployment pipeline. 5. Review OctoberCMS Plugin Scan Results: Regularly review scan results, focusing on vulnerabilities identified within OctoberCMS plugins. 6. Remediate OctoberCMS Plugin Vulnerabilities: Address vulnerabilities by updating plugins or applying patches relevant to the OctoberCMS context. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Plugin Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Known Vulnerabilities in Plugin Dependencies - Severity: High * Impact: * Plugin Vulnerabilities: High reduction. Proactively identifies known vulnerabilities in OctoberCMS plugins. * Known Vulnerabilities in Plugin Dependencies: Moderate reduction. Can detect dependency vulnerabilities if the scanner is compatible with PHP dependency analysis within the OctoberCMS context. * Currently Implemented: No - No automated plugin vulnerability scanning. * Missing Implementation: Select, configure, and integrate a vulnerability scanner into the OctoberCMS development process.

Mitigation Strategy: Use Themes from Trusted Sources

Description: 1. Prioritize OctoberCMS Marketplace Themes: Primarily choose themes from the official OctoberCMS Marketplace. 2. Evaluate Theme Developer Reputation: Research the theme developer's reputation within the OctoberCMS community, similar to plugin developers. 3. Review Theme Ratings and Reviews: Check theme ratings and reviews on the OctoberCMS Marketplace for user feedback. 4. Check Theme Compatibility and Support: Ensure theme compatibility with your OctoberCMS version and availability of support. 5. Exercise Extreme Caution with External Themes: Be highly skeptical of themes from sources outside the official marketplace. Verify source credibility and theme code quality. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Theme Vulnerabilities - Severity: Medium * Malicious Themes - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Theme Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Reduces the risk of using themes with built-in vulnerabilities. * Malicious Themes: Moderate reduction. Lowers the risk of installing themes designed to be harmful. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Marketplace themes are preferred, but no formal theme vetting. * Missing Implementation: Formal guidelines for theme source vetting and risk assessment.

Mitigation Strategy: Regularly Update Themes

Description: 1. Access OctoberCMS Backend Updates: Go to "Settings" -> "Updates" in the OctoberCMS backend. 2. Check for Theme Updates: Click "Check for updates" to see available theme updates. 3. Review Theme Updates: Examine available theme updates. 4. Apply Theme Updates: Click "Update" to apply theme updates within the OctoberCMS backend. 5. Test Theme Functionality: After updating, test the website's appearance and theme-related functionalities to ensure proper operation. 6. Schedule Regular Theme Updates: Establish a schedule for checking and applying theme updates within the OctoberCMS backend. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Theme Vulnerabilities - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Theme Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Patches known vulnerabilities in themes. * Currently Implemented: No - Theme updates are manual and inconsistent. * Missing Implementation: Consistent schedule and potentially automated notifications for theme updates within OctoberCMS.

Mitigation Strategy: Code Review Custom Themes and Modifications

Description: 1. Focus on Custom OctoberCMS Theme Code: Conduct code reviews specifically for custom themes or modifications made to existing themes within the OctoberCMS environment. 2. Look for Common Web Vulnerabilities in Theme Code: Review for XSS, insecure data handling, and other common web vulnerabilities within the theme's PHP, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript code. 3. OctoberCMS Templating Security: Pay special attention to the security of OctoberCMS templating code (Twig) within themes, ensuring proper escaping and sanitization of user inputs. 4. Address Identified Vulnerabilities: Fix any identified vulnerabilities in the theme code. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Theme Vulnerabilities - Severity: Medium * XSS Vulnerabilities in Themes - Severity: High * Impact: * Theme Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Reduces vulnerabilities in custom theme code. * XSS Vulnerabilities in Themes: High reduction. Directly addresses and mitigates XSS risks within themes. * Currently Implemented: No - No formal code review process for custom themes. * Missing Implementation: Implement code review process for custom OctoberCMS themes and modifications.

Mitigation Strategy: Sanitize User Inputs in Themes

Description: 1. Identify User Input Points in Themes: Locate all points in your OctoberCMS themes where user-provided data is displayed (e.g., blog post content, comments, form submissions). 2. Utilize Twig Templating Engine's Escaping Features: Use Twig's built-in escaping functions (e.g., escape, e) to sanitize user inputs before displaying them in themes. 3. Context-Aware Escaping: Apply context-aware escaping based on where the user input is being displayed (HTML, JavaScript, CSS, URL). 4. Regularly Review Theme Templates: Periodically review theme templates to ensure proper sanitization is consistently applied to all user inputs. * List of Threats Mitigated: * XSS Vulnerabilities in Themes - Severity: High * Impact: * XSS Vulnerabilities in Themes: High reduction. Directly prevents XSS attacks by sanitizing user inputs in themes. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Developers are generally aware, but consistent implementation needs improvement. * Missing Implementation: Enforce consistent user input sanitization in all OctoberCMS theme templates and provide developer training on secure templating practices.

Mitigation Strategy: Limit Theme Customization by Untrusted Users

Description: 1. Control Backend User Roles and Permissions: Utilize OctoberCMS's backend user roles and permissions system ("Settings" -> "Administrators" -> "Roles") to restrict access to theme customization features. 2. Limit Access to Theme Editor: Restrict access to the OctoberCMS backend theme editor ("CMS" -> "Themes" -> "Customize") to only trusted administrators. 3. Disable Theme Upload Functionality (if not needed): If theme uploads are not required for regular content management, consider disabling or restricting this functionality to prevent malicious theme uploads. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Malicious Theme Uploads - Severity: Medium * Unauthorized Theme Modifications - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Malicious Theme Uploads: Moderate reduction. Prevents untrusted users from uploading potentially malicious themes. * Unauthorized Theme Modifications: Moderate reduction. Limits unauthorized changes to themes that could introduce vulnerabilities. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Backend access is generally restricted, but specific theme customization permissions might not be finely tuned. * Missing Implementation: Review and refine backend user roles and permissions to specifically restrict theme customization access to trusted users only.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure File Permissions

Description: 1. Follow OctoberCMS File Permission Recommendations: Adhere to the file and directory permission recommendations outlined in the official OctoberCMS documentation. 2. Restrict Write Access: Minimize write access to web-accessible directories. Ensure that only necessary directories (e.g., storage, uploads) are writable by the web server user. 3. Protect Sensitive Configuration Files: Ensure that sensitive configuration files (e.g., .env, config/*) are not web-accessible and have restrictive read permissions. 4. Regularly Review File Permissions: Periodically review file and directory permissions to ensure they remain secure and aligned with best practices for OctoberCMS. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Unauthorized File Access - Severity: Medium * Remote Code Execution (in some scenarios) - Severity: High * Data Breach - Severity: High * Impact: * Unauthorized File Access: Moderate reduction. Makes it harder for attackers to access sensitive files. * Remote Code Execution: Moderate reduction. Reduces the risk of RCE by limiting write access to critical areas. * Data Breach: Moderate reduction. Protects sensitive configuration and data files. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Basic file permissions are set, but may not be rigorously reviewed or hardened. * Missing Implementation: Formal review and hardening of file permissions according to OctoberCMS best practices, and regular audits.

Mitigation Strategy: Disable Debug Mode in Production

Description: 1. Edit config/app.php: Open the config/app.php file in your OctoberCMS installation. 2. Set debug to false: Ensure that the debug configuration option is set to false in production environments: 'debug' => false,. 3. Verify in Production: After deployment, verify that debug mode is indeed disabled by checking for error messages or debug information in the frontend and backend. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Information Disclosure - Severity: Medium * Attack Surface Increase - Severity: Low * Impact: * Information Disclosure: Moderate reduction. Prevents exposure of sensitive application details and error information. * Attack Surface Increase: Low reduction. Slightly reduces the attack surface by removing debug-related functionalities. * Currently Implemented: Yes - Debug mode is generally disabled in production. * Missing Implementation: N/A - Currently implemented.

Mitigation Strategy: Secure Database Credentials

Description: 1. Use Environment Variables: Store database credentials (host, database name, username, password) in environment variables (e.g., in the .env file) instead of hardcoding them in configuration files. 2. Restrict Access to .env File: Ensure the .env file is not web-accessible and has restrictive file permissions. 3. Strong Database Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for database users. 4. Database User Permissions: Grant database users only the necessary permissions required for the OctoberCMS application to function (principle of least privilege). * List of Threats Mitigated: * Data Breach - Severity: High * Unauthorized Database Access - Severity: High * Impact: * Data Breach: High reduction. Protects database credentials from exposure. * Unauthorized Database Access: High reduction. Makes it significantly harder for attackers to access the database. * Currently Implemented: Yes - Database credentials are stored in .env. * Missing Implementation: Review and potentially strengthen database passwords and user permissions.

Mitigation Strategy: Restrict Access to Backend (OctoberCMS Admin Panel)

Description: 1. Strong Backend Passwords: Enforce strong passwords for all OctoberCMS backend user accounts. 2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Implement two-factor authentication for backend logins using available OctoberCMS plugins. 3. IP Address Whitelisting (Optional): If applicable, restrict backend access to specific IP addresses or IP ranges using web server configurations or firewall rules. 4. Regularly Review Backend User Accounts: Periodically review backend user accounts and disable or remove accounts that are no longer needed. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login - Severity: High * Unauthorized Backend Access - Severity: High * Impact: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login: Moderate reduction. Strong passwords and 2FA make brute-force attacks much harder. Rate limiting (separate strategy) is also crucial. * Unauthorized Backend Access: High reduction. Significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the OctoberCMS backend. * Currently Implemented: Partially - Strong passwords are encouraged, but 2FA and IP whitelisting are not implemented. * Missing Implementation: Implement two-factor authentication for backend access and consider IP address whitelisting if feasible.

Mitigation Strategy: Review and Harden .env Configuration

Description: 1. Regularly Review .env File: Periodically review the .env file in your OctoberCMS installation. 2. Remove Unnecessary Entries: Remove any unnecessary or outdated configuration entries from the .env file. 3. Secure Sensitive Settings: Ensure that all sensitive settings (API keys, database credentials, etc.) in the .env file are properly secured and not inadvertently exposed. 4. Environment-Specific Configuration: Utilize environment variables effectively to manage different configurations for development, staging, and production environments. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Information Disclosure (if .env is misconfigured or exposed) - Severity: High * Configuration Vulnerabilities - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Information Disclosure: High reduction. Prevents accidental exposure of sensitive configuration data. * Configuration Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Reduces the risk of misconfigurations leading to vulnerabilities. * Currently Implemented: Partially - .env is used, but regular review and hardening might be lacking. * Missing Implementation: Implement a process for regularly reviewing and hardening the .env configuration file.

Mitigation Strategy: Regular Security Audits of Configuration

Description: 1. Audit OctoberCMS Configuration Files: Periodically audit OctoberCMS configuration files (config/*, .env, cms.php, etc.) for security misconfigurations. 2. Check for Best Practices: Verify that configuration settings align with security best practices for OctoberCMS and web applications in general. 3. Automated Configuration Scanning (if possible): Explore tools or scripts that can automate the scanning of OctoberCMS configuration files for potential security issues. 4. Address Misconfigurations: Rectify any identified security misconfigurations promptly. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Insecure Configuration - Severity: Medium to High (depending on misconfiguration) * Information Disclosure - Severity: Medium * Unauthorized Access - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Insecure Configuration: High reduction. Proactively identifies and fixes configuration weaknesses. * Information Disclosure: Moderate reduction. Prevents information leaks due to misconfiguration. * Unauthorized Access: Moderate reduction. Can prevent access control bypasses due to misconfiguration. * Currently Implemented: No - No regular security audits of configuration are performed. * Missing Implementation: Implement a process for regular security audits of OctoberCMS configuration files.

Mitigation Strategy: Maintain Up-to-Date OctoberCMS Core

Description: 1. Access OctoberCMS Backend Updates: Go to "Settings" -> "Updates" in the OctoberCMS backend. 2. Check for Core Updates: Click "Check for updates" to see if a new OctoberCMS core version is available. 3. Review Core Update Release Notes: Before updating, review the release notes for the new OctoberCMS core version to understand changes and potential impact. 4. Test Core Updates in Staging: Apply core updates to a staging environment first and thoroughly test the application for compatibility and regressions. 5. Apply Core Updates to Production: After successful staging testing, apply the core update to the production environment through the OctoberCMS backend. 6. Monitor OctoberCMS Release Channels: Subscribe to official OctoberCMS release channels (blog, forums, etc.) to stay informed about new core releases and security updates. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Outdated OctoberCMS Core Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Impact: * Outdated OctoberCMS Core Vulnerabilities: High reduction. Patches known vulnerabilities in the OctoberCMS core platform. * Currently Implemented: No - Core updates are manual and inconsistent. * Missing Implementation: Establish a process for regularly checking and applying OctoberCMS core updates, including staging environment testing.

Mitigation Strategy: Test Updates in a Staging Environment

Description: 1. Set up a Staging Environment: Create a staging environment that mirrors the production environment as closely as possible (same OctoberCMS version, plugins, themes, configuration, data). 2. Apply Updates to Staging First: Before applying any updates (core, plugins, themes) to production, apply them to the staging environment first. 3. Thoroughly Test in Staging: Conduct thorough testing in the staging environment after updates, focusing on critical functionalities, integrations, and potential regressions. 4. Resolve Issues in Staging: Address any issues or incompatibilities identified in staging before proceeding to production updates. 5. Promote Updates to Production: Only after successful testing and issue resolution in staging, apply the updates to the production environment. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Update-Related Downtime - Severity: Medium * Introduction of Bugs/Regressions by Updates - Severity: Medium * Unforeseen Compatibility Issues - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Update-Related Downtime: Moderate reduction. Minimizes the risk of production downtime due to problematic updates. * Introduction of Bugs/Regressions: Moderate reduction. Reduces the risk of introducing bugs or regressions into the production environment. * Unforeseen Compatibility Issues: Moderate reduction. Helps identify and resolve compatibility issues before they impact production. * Currently Implemented: No - Staging environment is not consistently used for update testing. * Missing Implementation: Implement a mandatory staging environment and testing process for all OctoberCMS updates before production deployment.

Mitigation Strategy: Subscribe to OctoberCMS Security Announcements

Description: 1. Identify Official OctoberCMS Channels: Find official OctoberCMS communication channels for security announcements (e.g., blog, forums, mailing lists, social media). 2. Subscribe to Mailing Lists/Newsletters: Subscribe to official OctoberCMS mailing lists or newsletters that specifically announce security updates and vulnerabilities. 3. Follow Official Social Media/Blogs: Follow official OctoberCMS social media accounts and blogs for security-related announcements. 4. Monitor Community Forums: Regularly monitor the official OctoberCMS community forums for security discussions and announcements. 5. Set up Alerts/Notifications: Configure alerts or notifications for new posts or announcements from official OctoberCMS channels related to security. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Outdated OctoberCMS Core/Plugin/Theme Vulnerabilities - Severity: High * Zero-Day Vulnerabilities (early warning) - Severity: High * Impact: * Outdated OctoberCMS Core/Plugin/Theme Vulnerabilities: Moderate reduction. Provides timely information for patching known vulnerabilities. * Zero-Day Vulnerabilities: Low reduction. May provide early warning if zero-day vulnerabilities are publicly disclosed through official channels. * Currently Implemented: No - No systematic subscription to OctoberCMS security announcements. * Missing Implementation: Establish a process for subscribing to and monitoring official OctoberCMS security announcement channels.

Mitigation Strategy: Change the Backend URI

Description: 1. Edit config/cms.php: Open the config/cms.php file in your OctoberCMS installation. 2. Modify backendUri Setting: Change the backendUri configuration option to a non-default, less predictable path. For example: 'backendUri' => '/admin-panel',. 3. Test Backend Access: After changing the URI, verify that you can still access the backend using the new URI and that the default /backend path is no longer accessible. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login - Severity: Medium * Automated Attacks Targeting Default Backend Path - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login: Low reduction. Primarily reduces automated attacks targeting the default path, but doesn't eliminate brute-force risk entirely. Rate limiting and strong passwords are more effective. * Automated Attacks Targeting Default Backend Path: Moderate reduction. Makes it harder for automated scripts to find the backend login page. * Currently Implemented: No - Default /backend URI is used. * Missing Implementation: Change the backendUri in config/cms.php to a non-default value.

Mitigation Strategy: Implement Rate Limiting on Backend Login

Description: 1. Web Server Configuration (e.g., Nginx, Apache): Configure rate limiting rules at the web server level to limit the number of login attempts from a single IP address within a specific time frame for the OctoberCMS backend login path (e.g., the path defined by backendUri in config/cms.php). 2. OctoberCMS Plugin (if available): Explore if any OctoberCMS plugins provide rate limiting functionality for backend login attempts. 3. Test Rate Limiting: After configuration, test the rate limiting mechanism to ensure it effectively blocks excessive login attempts without hindering legitimate users. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login - Severity: High * Denial of Service (DoS) attempts on Backend Login - Severity: Medium * Impact: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login: High reduction. Significantly hinders brute-force password attacks by limiting login attempts. * Denial of Service (DoS) attempts on Backend Login: Moderate reduction. Can mitigate simple DoS attempts targeting the login page. * Currently Implemented: No - Rate limiting is not implemented on the backend login. * Missing Implementation: Implement rate limiting on the OctoberCMS backend login path, preferably at the web server level.

Mitigation Strategy: Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) for Backend Access

Description: 1. Choose an OctoberCMS 2FA Plugin: Select a suitable two-factor authentication plugin from the OctoberCMS Marketplace or a trusted source. 2. Install and Configure 2FA Plugin: Install the chosen plugin through the OctoberCMS backend and configure it according to the plugin's documentation. 3. Enable 2FA for Backend Users: Enable two-factor authentication for all backend user accounts, especially administrator accounts. 4. User Training: Provide training to backend users on how to set up and use two-factor authentication. * List of Threats Mitigated: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login - Severity: High * Password Compromise - Severity: High * Unauthorized Backend Access - Severity: High * Impact: * Brute-Force Attacks on Backend Login: High reduction. Makes brute-force attacks extremely difficult to succeed. * Password Compromise: High reduction. Even if passwords are compromised, 2FA prevents unauthorized access without the second factor. * Unauthorized Backend Access: High reduction. Significantly strengthens backend access security. * Currently Implemented: No - Two-factor authentication is not implemented for backend access. * Missing Implementation: Implement two-factor authentication for all OctoberCMS backend users using a suitable plugin.