CVE-2009-0737 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the web-based installer (config/index.php) in MediaWiki 1.6 before 1.6.12, 1.12 before 1.12.4, and 1.13 before 1.13.4, when the installer is in active use, allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2019
The CVE-2009-0737 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting weakness discovered in MediaWiki's web-based installer component. This vulnerability specifically affects MediaWiki versions prior to the mentioned secure releases, creating a persistent security risk for organizations relying on these older versions. The flaw exists within the config/index.php file which serves as the primary installation interface for the wiki platform, making it a high-value target for malicious actors seeking to compromise web applications.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the installer's web interface. When the installer is actively used to configure MediaWiki installations, attackers can exploit unspecified vectors to inject malicious scripts or HTML content directly into the application's response. This occurs because the installer fails to properly escape or filter user-supplied parameters before rendering them back to the browser, creating an environment where attacker-controlled data can be executed as client-side code. The vulnerability manifests as a classic XSS flaw that can be categorized under CWE-79, which specifically addresses Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in software applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data theft or defacement, as it provides attackers with the capability to establish persistent malicious presence within the target environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could potentially execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of the victim's browser, enabling session hijacking, credential theft, or redirection to malicious sites. The installer's role as a critical initial access point for MediaWiki deployments makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous, as it could be exploited during the very process of setting up a new wiki system. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of malicious scripts through web interfaces.
Organizations utilizing affected MediaWiki versions should immediately implement mitigation strategies including prompt upgrade to patched versions 1.6.12, 1.12.4, and 1.13.4 respectively. The most effective remediation approach involves comprehensive version updates that address the core input validation issues within the installer component. Additionally, network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide temporary defense while upgrades are pending, though these solutions are not as robust as proper patching. Security teams should also conduct thorough audits of their MediaWiki installations to identify any other potential entry points that may have been compromised through this vulnerability, particularly focusing on the installer's temporary access permissions and session management mechanisms. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of securing all application interfaces, including installation and configuration tools, as these components often operate with elevated privileges and are frequently targeted by attackers seeking initial access to systems.