CVE-2012-0283 in DokuWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in the tpl_mediaFileList function in inc/template.php in DokuWiki before 2012-01-25b allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the ns parameter in a medialist action to lib/exe/ajax.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-0283 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within DokuWiki's template processing functionality. This issue affects versions of DokuWiki prior to the 2012-01-25b release and specifically targets the tpl_mediaFileList function located in the inc/template.php file. The vulnerability manifests when the ns parameter is manipulated within a medialist action directed at the lib/exe/ajax.php endpoint, creating an exploitable vector for remote attackers to execute malicious code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the template rendering system. When DokuWiki processes media file lists through the ajax interface, the ns parameter containing user-supplied data is directly incorporated into the HTML output without proper escaping or sanitization. This failure to properly handle user input creates a persistent XSS vulnerability that can be exploited by attackers to inject arbitrary JavaScript code or HTML content. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be triggered through a simple web request manipulation, making it particularly dangerous for web applications that rely on user-generated content or media management.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it provides attackers with the capability to perform session hijacking, defacement of web content, and potential data exfiltration from authenticated users. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that, when visited by other users, execute scripts in their browser context, potentially leading to complete compromise of user sessions. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in collaborative environments where DokuWiki instances host sensitive documentation and user content, as it can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to information or manipulate the displayed content. The attack requires no special privileges beyond basic web access and can be executed through standard browser interactions, making it highly accessible to threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-0283 primarily involve immediate application of the official security patch released by DokuWiki developers in the 2012-01-25b version, which implements proper input validation and output sanitization for the affected template function. Organizations should also implement comprehensive web application firewall rules to detect and block suspicious parameter values in the ns parameter, particularly those containing script tags or common XSS payload patterns. Additional protective measures include implementing content security policies that restrict script execution, enabling proper output encoding for all dynamic content, and conducting regular security assessments of web applications. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws, and can be categorized under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for scripting languages and T1566 for malicious file delivery, highlighting its potential for both code execution and social engineering attacks within web environments.