CVE-2017-0361 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Mediawiki before 1.28.1 / 1.27.2 / 1.23.16 contains an information disclosure flaw, where the api.log might contain passwords in plaintext.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0361 represents a critical information disclosure flaw within MediaWiki software versions prior to 1.28.1, 1.27.2, and 1.23.16. This issue stems from improper handling of sensitive data within the application's logging mechanisms, specifically affecting the api.log file that records API operations and user activities. The flaw allows for the unintentional exposure of authentication credentials and other sensitive information through plaintext logging practices that were not adequately secured or sanitized.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when MediaWiki's API logging functionality fails to properly filter or obfuscate sensitive parameters during log entry creation. When users interact with the MediaWiki API, particularly during authentication or administrative operations, certain parameters containing passwords or tokens may be written directly to the api.log file without appropriate sanitization. This plaintext exposure creates a significant risk for attackers who gain access to the system's log files, as they can directly extract authentication credentials and other confidential information. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-209, which addresses information exposure through log files, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1562.001, which covers the exploitation of credential dumping mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a persistent attack surface that remains active until the affected software is updated. Organizations running vulnerable MediaWiki instances face the risk of unauthorized access to their wikis, potential data breaches, and compromise of user accounts that rely on the platform for collaboration and information sharing. The vulnerability particularly affects large-scale wiki deployments where multiple users interact with the API, increasing the volume of potentially exposed credentials. Attackers can leverage this flaw through various methods including direct file access, server compromise, or through other attack vectors that lead to log file enumeration, making the exposure particularly dangerous in environments where log files are not properly secured or monitored.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0361 require immediate patching of affected MediaWiki installations to versions 1.28.1, 1.27.2, or 1.23.16, which contain the necessary code fixes to prevent plaintext credential logging. Organizations should also implement comprehensive log file access controls, ensuring that api.log and other sensitive log files are restricted to authorized personnel only and are stored in secure locations with proper file permissions. Additional protective measures include implementing log rotation policies to limit the retention of sensitive data, configuring proper input validation for API parameters, and establishing monitoring systems to detect unauthorized access attempts to log files. Security teams should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of the logging infrastructure, while maintaining regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar issues in other components of their MediaWiki deployment. The remediation process must also include comprehensive testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce regressions in API functionality while maintaining the security of credential handling processes.