CVE-2011-1058 in MoinMoin
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the reStructuredText (rst) parser in parser/text_rst.py in MoinMoin before 1.9.3, when docutils is installed or when "format rst" is set, allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via a javascript: URL in the refuri attribute. NOTE: some of these details are obtained from third party information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/17/2021
The CVE-2011-1058 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw in the MoinMoin wiki software's reStructuredText parser implementation. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 1.9.3 and manifests when the docutils library is installed or when the "format rst" option is enabled. The security issue stems from insufficient input validation within the parser/text_rst.py file, which fails to properly sanitize user-provided content before rendering it as part of the web interface. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious reStructuredText content containing javascript: URLs within the refuri attribute of reference links, thereby bypassing standard security mechanisms designed to prevent script execution in web contexts.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the improper handling of hyperlink references in reStructuredText documents. When a user creates or modifies content containing a reference with a javascript: URL in the refuri attribute, the parser processes this input without adequate sanitization or validation. This flaw allows attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers when they view the affected wiki pages. The vulnerability specifically targets the document processing pipeline where external references are resolved and rendered, creating a path for arbitrary code execution within the victim's browser environment. This type of vulnerability is categorized as CWE-79, which represents Cross-Site Scripting, and aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1203 - Exploitation for Client Execution, specifically targeting web application interfaces.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a wide range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, and data exfiltration from authenticated users. In a wiki environment where multiple users collaborate and share sensitive information, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to escalate privileges, steal session cookies, or modify content to spread further malicious payloads. The risk is particularly elevated in corporate or institutional wikis where users may have elevated access rights, as the injected scripts could potentially access restricted content or perform administrative actions on behalf of compromised users. Organizations using MoinMoin without proper input sanitization measures face significant exposure to persistent security threats, as the vulnerability remains active until the affected software versions are patched. The remediation strategy requires immediate patching to version 1.9.3 or later, alongside implementing additional input validation measures and monitoring for suspicious content submissions.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper input validation in content management systems and document processing libraries. This flaw demonstrates how seemingly benign parsing operations can become attack vectors when proper security controls are not implemented. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical need for web application security testing, particularly in environments where user-generated content is processed and rendered. Organizations should implement comprehensive security measures including regular vulnerability assessments, input sanitization, and security code reviews to prevent similar issues in other components. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this as a web application vulnerability that can lead to persistent threats, emphasizing the need for layered security approaches that include both preventive measures and detection capabilities. Proper implementation of Content Security Policy headers and regular security updates can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation, while also providing defense-in-depth strategies against similar vulnerabilities in other software components.