CVE-2004-2152 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in raw page output mode for MediaWiki 1.3.4 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2152 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in MediaWiki versions 1.3.4 and earlier, specifically within the raw page output mode functionality. This issue stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly escape or filter user-supplied content before rendering it in web pages. The vulnerability exists in the core rendering engine of MediaWiki, which processes and displays wiki content, creating an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the lack of proper security controls to inject arbitrary web scripts or HTML code into the application's output.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when MediaWiki processes pages in raw output mode, which bypasses normal content sanitization procedures. This mode is typically used for advanced users who need to work with raw wiki markup, but it inadvertently exposes the system to XSS attacks by not applying the same security filters that would normally protect against malicious input. The flaw can be categorized under CWE-79 as "Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation ('Cross-site Scripting')", which specifically addresses the failure to properly escape or sanitize user-provided data before incorporating it into web page content. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability by submitting malicious scripts or HTML code through various input fields, including page titles, content areas, or parameters that are processed in raw mode, allowing them to execute arbitrary code in the context of other users' browsers.
The operational impact of CVE-2004-2152 extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking, steal sensitive information, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute commands on behalf of authenticated users. Given that MediaWiki was widely adopted for collaborative platforms, wikis, and knowledge bases, the potential for widespread exploitation was significant. The vulnerability could be exploited through multiple attack vectors including user-generated content, edit forms, and API endpoints that support raw page output. This type of vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 "Phishing with Spoofed Credentials" and T1584.004 "Compromise of Web Applications" within the enterprise attack framework, as it enables attackers to craft malicious web content that can be served to unsuspecting users. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where MediaWiki is used for internal collaboration, as authenticated users could be targeted to execute more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2004-2152 require immediate implementation of several security measures including upgrading to MediaWiki version 1.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. Organizations should also implement comprehensive input validation and output encoding mechanisms, particularly for raw page output modes, and establish strict content sanitization policies. The implementation of Content Security Policy (CSP) headers can provide additional protection against XSS attacks by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious script injection attempts and regular security audits of wiki content to identify potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable MediaWiki instances, and user training programs should be established to educate administrators about secure configuration practices. The vulnerability serves as a critical reminder of the importance of proper input validation and output sanitization in web applications, aligning with industry best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for web application security.