CVE-2014-8762 in DokuWiki
Summary
by MITRE
The ajax_mediadiff function in DokuWiki before 2014-05-05a allows remote attackers to access arbitrary images via a crafted namespace in the ns parameter.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8762 affects DokuWiki versions prior to 2014-05-05a and resides within the ajax_mediadiff function. This represents a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms and retrieve arbitrary image files from the system. The vulnerability specifically exploits the ns parameter within the ajax_mediadiff function, which is designed to handle media file comparisons through the web interface. When processing user input through this parameter, the function fails to properly validate namespace access permissions, creating an opportunity for unauthorized data exfiltration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input sanitization and access control validation within the DokuWiki media management system. The ajax_mediadiff function processes namespace parameters without sufficient authorization checks, allowing attackers to craft malicious requests that traverse the file system hierarchy. This flaw essentially permits an attacker to specify any namespace path through the ns parameter, potentially accessing media files that should be restricted to authenticated users or specific groups. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited through HTTP requests without requiring any special privileges or authentication credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on DokuWiki for documentation and content management. Attackers could potentially access sensitive images, logos, internal documents, or other media assets that are not intended for public viewing. The implications extend beyond simple information disclosure, as these images might contain sensitive metadata, internal branding elements, or proprietary visual content. Additionally, the vulnerability could serve as a reconnaissance tool for attackers seeking to map the organization's media repository structure and identify additional targets for exploitation. This type of flaw aligns with CWE-285, which addresses improper authorization issues in software systems.
The exploitation of this vulnerability can be achieved through various attack vectors including web application penetration testing, automated scanning tools, or manual exploitation techniques. Security researchers and attackers typically leverage this type of vulnerability to conduct reconnaissance activities, gather intelligence about the target environment, or establish persistence within the system. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it affects the core media management functionality of DokuWiki, which is essential for content management operations. Organizations using older versions of DokuWiki are particularly vulnerable as they lack the security patches that would have addressed this specific access control weakness.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-8762 primarily involve updating to DokuWiki version 2014-05-05a or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the access control flaw. System administrators should also implement additional security measures such as web application firewalls, input validation controls, and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities. Organizations should conduct thorough security reviews of their DokuWiki installations to identify any other potential access control issues within the media management system. The remediation process should include verifying that all namespace access controls are properly enforced and that user permissions are correctly validated before granting access to media resources. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing proper access control mechanisms, which aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting through web applications.