CVE-2017-0363 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Mediawiki before 1.28.1 / 1.27.2 / 1.23.16 has a flaw where Special:UserLogin?returnto=interwiki:foo will redirect to external sites.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0363 represents a critical security flaw in MediaWiki software versions prior to 1.28.1, 1.27.2, and 1.23.16. This issue manifests through the Special:UserLogin page functionality where the returnto parameter can be manipulated to redirect users to external websites. The flaw stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the MediaWiki authentication system, specifically in how the software handles the returnto parameter during user login operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the lack of proper parameter filtering in the MediaWiki core codebase. When users access the Special:UserLogin page with a crafted returnto parameter containing interwiki references, the system fails to validate whether the destination URL is internal or external. This allows attackers to construct malicious URLs that redirect users to phishing sites or malicious domains, potentially leading to credential theft or other social engineering attacks. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-601 which addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities and falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through social engineering.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks and can enable sophisticated phishing campaigns targeting MediaWiki users. Attackers can craft deceptive login pages that appear legitimate to users while redirecting them to external sites designed to capture credentials or install malware. The vulnerability affects organizations using MediaWiki for collaborative platforms, wikis, and content management systems where user authentication is critical. The flaw is particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where MediaWiki serves as a knowledge base or collaboration platform, as it can be leveraged to compromise user accounts and potentially escalate privileges within the system.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to patched versions of MediaWiki to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing proper input validation and sanitization for all user-supplied parameters, particularly those used in redirect operations. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls with rules to detect and block suspicious returnto parameter values. Additionally, network administrators should monitor for unusual redirect patterns and implement proper URL validation mechanisms. The vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and input validation in web applications, particularly in authentication and authorization components where user manipulation can lead to significant security consequences. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their MediaWiki installations to ensure all related vulnerabilities are addressed and implement regular patch management procedures to maintain system security.