CVE-2013-1666 in Foswiki
Summary
by MITRE
Foswiki before 1.1.8 contains a code injection vulnerability in the MAKETEXT macro.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1666 represents a critical code injection flaw within the Foswiki web-based collaboration platform prior to version 1.1.8. This issue specifically affects the MAKETEXT macro functionality, which is designed to handle text translation and localization within the wiki system. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms that fail to properly filter user-supplied data before processing it within the macro execution context. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious input that gets interpreted as executable code rather than plain text, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution on the affected server.
The technical flaw manifests when the MAKETEXT macro processes user-provided parameters without adequate sanitization measures. This creates an environment where malicious actors can inject code fragments that get executed within the web application's context, effectively bypassing normal security boundaries. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which categorizes improper control of generation of code, and represents a classic example of a code injection attack vector. The flaw exists due to the absence of proper parameter validation and the lack of secure coding practices in the macro processing logic, where user input directly influences code execution paths without appropriate filtering or escaping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise, as successful exploitation can lead to complete system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive information. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary commands on the target system, potentially gaining administrative privileges and establishing persistent access. This risk is particularly severe in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with the wiki platform, as the vulnerability could be exploited through various attack vectors including crafted wiki pages, user comments, or even through compromised user accounts. The vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, which covers command and scripting interpreter execution, and T1078, covering valid accounts for persistence.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1666 primarily focus on immediate patching of the Foswiki application to version 1.1.8 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization for the MAKETEXT macro. Organizations should implement comprehensive input validation at multiple levels, including parameter sanitization, output encoding, and proper access controls for wiki content management. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures, though the primary recommendation remains the immediate application of vendor patches. Security monitoring should include detection of suspicious macro usage patterns and unusual command execution activities within the wiki environment, while regular security assessments should verify that all wiki macros and plugins have been updated to secure versions. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure coding practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content.