CVE-2015-6732 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in the SemanticForms extension for MediaWiki allow remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the (1) wpSummary parameter to Special:FormEdit, the (2) "Template label (optional)" field in a form, or a (3) Field name in a template.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2018
The CVE-2015-6732 vulnerability represents a significant security flaw within the SemanticForms extension for MediaWiki, a widely used content management system for collaborative websites. This vulnerability manifests as multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that collectively expose the platform to remote code execution risks through malicious web script injection. The affected components specifically target three distinct input vectors within the MediaWiki interface, creating multiple attack surfaces for threat actors seeking to compromise user sessions and manipulate content.
The technical exploitation occurs through three primary pathways that all stem from insufficient input validation and output sanitization within the SemanticForms extension. The first vector involves the wpSummary parameter in the Special:FormEdit functionality, where user-provided summary text fails to undergo proper sanitization before being rendered in the browser. The second vulnerability exists in the "Template label (optional)" field within forms, where template labeling inputs are directly embedded into web pages without adequate filtering. The third attack vector targets field names within templates, where template field identifiers are processed without proper escaping mechanisms, allowing malicious payloads to persist in the system's data structures.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-6732 extends beyond simple script injection, as it enables attackers to manipulate user sessions, steal authentication tokens, and potentially execute arbitrary commands within the context of affected user browsers. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-79, which defines Cross-Site Scripting as a critical weakness in web applications where untrusted data is improperly handled during web page generation. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that MediaWiki installations often host sensitive collaborative content, making this vulnerability a prime target for adversaries seeking to compromise entire wikis and their user bases.
Security practitioners must recognize the implications of this vulnerability within the broader ATT&CK framework, particularly under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, where XSS vulnerabilities serve as initial access vectors for more sophisticated attacks. The remediation approach should focus on implementing comprehensive input validation, output encoding, and proper sanitization of all user-provided data entering the system through the identified vectors. Organizations should prioritize immediate patching of affected MediaWiki installations, combined with regular security audits to identify similar vulnerabilities in other extensions and custom code implementations. Additionally, implementing content security policies and web application firewalls can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to mitigate exploitation attempts.