CVE-2004-2187 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Unknown vulnerability in ImagePage for MediaWiki 1.3.5, related to "filename validation," has unknown impact and attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2004-2187 affects MediaWiki version 1.3.5 through an insufficient filename validation mechanism within the ImagePage component. This weakness resides in the core file handling system that processes image uploads and displays within the wiki platform, creating potential security risks that could be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability's classification as unknown impact and attack vectors suggests that the specific nature of the security flaw and its potential consequences were not fully understood at the time of reporting, indicating a significant gap in the security analysis of the MediaWiki codebase during that period.
The technical flaw manifests in the filename validation process where the system fails to properly sanitize or validate file names submitted for image uploads. This inadequate validation allows for potential manipulation of file paths or names that could bypass normal security checks. The vulnerability specifically targets the ImagePage functionality which handles image rendering and management within MediaWiki, making it a critical component for exploitation. The lack of proper input validation creates opportunities for path traversal attacks, file inclusion vulnerabilities, and other malicious activities that could compromise the underlying system or access restricted resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file handling issues and could potentially allow unauthorized users to access sensitive system resources or manipulate the wiki environment. Attackers might exploit this weakness to execute arbitrary code, access restricted files, or disrupt normal wiki operations. The vulnerability's presence in a widely-used content management system like MediaWiki means that organizations relying on this platform could face significant security risks, particularly in environments where wiki systems are used for internal documentation, collaboration, or knowledge management. The unknown attack vectors suggest that multiple exploitation methods might be possible, increasing the overall risk profile.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing robust input validation mechanisms within the ImagePage component and all file handling processes. Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of MediaWiki where available, as the vulnerability affects a core system component that is fundamental to wiki operations. Additionally, implementing proper access controls, file permission restrictions, and regular security audits of wiki systems can help prevent exploitation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20, which covers "Improper Input Validation," and could potentially map to ATT&CK techniques involving privilege escalation or code injection, though specific mapping requires further analysis of the exact exploitation methods. Regular security assessments and adherence to secure coding practices should be implemented to prevent similar issues in future development cycles.