CVE-2005-4031 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Eval injection vulnerability in MediaWiki 1.5.x before 1.5.3 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code via the "user language option," which is used as part of a dynamic class name that is processed using the eval function.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/21/2024
The CVE-2005-4031 vulnerability represents a critical server-side code injection flaw in MediaWiki versions 1.5.x prior to 1.5.3, where the application fails to properly sanitize user input before using it in dynamic code execution contexts. This vulnerability specifically targets the user language option parameter which is processed as part of a dynamic class name construction and subsequently executed through the eval function, creating a direct path for remote code execution. The flaw stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that allow malicious actors to inject arbitrary PHP code through carefully crafted language selection parameters.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when an attacker manipulates the user language option parameter to include malicious PHP code that gets executed within the eval context. The dynamic class name construction process in MediaWiki's codebase creates a dangerous environment where user-supplied input directly influences the code that gets evaluated, bypassing normal security boundaries. This represents a classic injection vulnerability where the application's trust in user input leads to arbitrary code execution capabilities. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to CWE-74, "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')".
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables remote attackers to execute arbitrary PHP code on the affected MediaWiki server with the privileges of the web application process. Attackers can leverage this to gain full control over the wiki server, potentially leading to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The attack vector requires minimal privileges since the vulnerability can be exploited through simple HTTP requests without authentication. The affected systems become vulnerable to persistent backdoor installations, data exfiltration, and modification of wiki content, making this a particularly dangerous vulnerability for organizations relying on MediaWiki for content management.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2005-4031 primarily involve immediate patching of affected MediaWiki installations to version 1.5.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for user language options. Organizations should also implement web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious parameter values in language selection fields. Additional defensive measures include restricting write permissions on MediaWiki installation directories, implementing proper input validation at multiple layers, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of following secure coding practices such as avoiding eval functions with user input, implementing proper parameter validation, and using whitelisting approaches for dynamic code generation. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1059.007 for PHP code injection and T1078.004 for valid accounts, as exploitation typically occurs through legitimate user interaction with the web interface. Organizations should also consider implementing runtime application self-protection mechanisms and monitoring for unusual code execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.