CVE-2013-1951 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MediaWiki before 1.19.5 and 1.20.x before 1.20.4 and allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via Lua function names.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/01/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1951 represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within MediaWiki software versions prior to 1.19.5 and 1.20.x before 1.20.4. This vulnerability specifically targets the handling of Lua function names within the wiki platform, creating an avenue for remote attackers to execute malicious web scripts or inject HTML content into affected systems. The flaw exists in the way MediaWiki processes and renders Lua function names, which are commonly used for creating dynamic content and extending wiki functionality through scripting capabilities.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and output sanitization mechanisms within MediaWiki's Lua processing subsystem. When users create or edit pages containing Lua code, the system fails to properly escape or validate function names that may contain malicious payload sequences. This oversight allows attackers to craft specially formatted Lua function names that, when rendered by the wiki interface, execute unintended JavaScript code within the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through user-generated content, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users contribute to the same platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script injection, as it can enable attackers to perform a range of malicious activities including session hijacking, credential theft, data exfiltration, and redirection to malicious websites. In a typical wiki environment, where users often have varying levels of access and trust, this vulnerability can be exploited to compromise user sessions and potentially escalate privileges within the system. The attack vector requires minimal user interaction, as simply viewing a page containing malicious Lua function names can trigger the exploit, making it particularly effective in environments where users may not be security-aware.
Organizations using affected MediaWiki versions should prioritize immediate patching to remediate this vulnerability, as the software is widely deployed across academic, corporate, and public institutions. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which specifically addresses cross-site scripting flaws in software applications, and can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through malicious web content. Additional mitigation strategies include implementing strict content filtering policies, disabling Lua scripting capabilities where possible, and deploying web application firewalls to monitor and block suspicious script injection attempts. Security teams should also conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify any custom extensions or skins that might exacerbate the risk and ensure proper input validation across all user-generated content processing pathways.