CVE-2008-4408 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MediaWiki 1.13.1, 1.12.0, and possibly other versions before 1.13.2 allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the useskin parameter to an unspecified component.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/18/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-4408 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within MediaWiki versions 1.13.1 and 1.12.0, with potential impact extending to other versions prior to 1.13.2. This weakness resides in how the software handles user input through the useskin parameter, which is processed within an unspecified component of the application. The flaw enables remote attackers to execute malicious scripts or HTML code within the context of other users' browsers, exploiting the trust relationship between the web application and its users. Such vulnerabilities are particularly dangerous because they can be leveraged to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of users, or redirect victims to malicious websites. The vulnerability's classification aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in web applications, and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output encoding within MediaWiki's parameter handling mechanism. When the useskin parameter is passed to the affected component, the application fails to properly sanitize or escape the input before incorporating it into the web page response. This omission creates an environment where attacker-controlled data can be interpreted as executable script rather than mere text. The flaw typically manifests when users navigate to a maliciously crafted URL containing the XSS payload within the useskin parameter, causing the vulnerable MediaWiki instance to render the malicious content in the browser context of legitimate users. The vulnerability's scope extends beyond simple script execution to include potential session hijacking and privilege escalation if the affected system lacks proper access controls or session management.
The operational impact of CVE-2008-4408 is significant for organizations relying on MediaWiki for content management, particularly those with collaborative environments where users frequently contribute content or access the platform through web interfaces. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to execute arbitrary code in users' browsers, potentially leading to complete compromise of user sessions, data exfiltration, or redirection to phishing sites. The vulnerability affects not only individual users but also the broader community since MediaWiki installations often serve as platforms for wikis containing sensitive information, collaborative documentation, or public-facing content. Organizations with multiple MediaWiki instances or those using custom skins may face increased risk if the vulnerability exists in their modified codebase, making the impact potentially widespread across various deployment scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-4408 should prioritize immediate patching to MediaWiki version 1.13.2 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for this vulnerability. Organizations should implement proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms, ensuring that all user-supplied parameters are sanitized before processing. The use of Content Security Policy headers can provide an additional layer of protection by restricting the sources from which scripts can be loaded and executed. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls should be deployed to monitor and filter suspicious traffic patterns. Regular security audits and penetration testing of MediaWiki installations are essential to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities in custom extensions or modified code. System administrators should also consider implementing proper access controls and monitoring user activities to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input validation practices to prevent such widespread security issues in web applications.