CVE-2014-9277 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
The wfMangleFlashPolicy function in OutputHandler.php in MediaWiki before 1.19.22, 1.20.x through 1.22.x before 1.22.14, and 1.23.x before 1.23.7 allows remote attackers to conduct PHP object injection attacks via a crafted string containing in a PHP format request, which causes the string length to change when converting the request to .
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-9277 represents a critical PHP object injection flaw within MediaWiki's output handling mechanism. This vulnerability exists in the wfMangleFlashPolicy function located in the OutputHandler.php file, affecting multiple versions of the popular wiki software including releases before 1.19.22, 1.20.x through 1.22.x before 1.22.14, and 1.23.x before 1.23.7. The flaw stems from improper handling of user-supplied input during the conversion process from PHP format requests to string representations, creating a pathway for malicious actors to inject serialized PHP objects.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a remote attacker crafts a specially formatted string that, upon processing by the wfMangleFlashPolicy function, undergoes string length modification during the conversion from PHP format to string. This manipulation allows attackers to inject serialized PHP objects into the application's processing pipeline, potentially enabling arbitrary code execution or object injection attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the serialization and deserialization mechanisms within PHP's handling of user input, creating a dangerous attack surface where malicious payloads can be executed within the context of the web application.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability poses significant risks to MediaWiki installations, particularly those handling user-generated content or serving as platforms for collaborative editing. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary PHP code on the server, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or further lateral movement within network infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by MediaWiki's widespread use in enterprise environments, educational institutions, and government organizations, making it a prime target for sophisticated attackers seeking persistent access to sensitive information systems. The flaw aligns with CWE-502, which classifies deserialization of untrusted data as a critical security weakness, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1566.002 for initial access through malicious file downloads or web delivery.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-9277 primarily involve immediate patching of affected MediaWiki installations to versions that contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures to prevent malformed payloads from reaching the vulnerable function, while monitoring for suspicious patterns in user requests that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense, though the most effective approach remains the timely application of vendor security patches. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify other potential injection points within their MediaWiki installations and related web applications that might share similar architectural weaknesses.