CVE-2017-0364 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Mediawiki before 1.28.1 / 1.27.2 / 1.23.16 contains a flaw where Special:Search allows redirects to any interwiki link.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0364 affects MediaWiki versions prior to 1.28.1, 1.27.2, and 1.23.16, representing a critical security flaw in the Special:Search functionality. This issue resides within the interwiki link handling mechanism where the search feature fails to properly validate or restrict redirect destinations, potentially allowing malicious actors to exploit this weakness for unauthorized navigation.
The technical flaw manifests in how MediaWiki processes interwiki links during search operations. When users perform searches through the Special:Search interface, the system should validate that redirect targets originate from approved or legitimate sources. However, the vulnerability permits redirects to any interwiki link regardless of domain restrictions or security policies, creating an attack vector where malicious actors can craft search queries that redirect users to arbitrary external websites or malicious resources.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-601 which addresses URL redirect vulnerabilities and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1189 which covers additional attack surface reduction through proper input validation. The flaw essentially bypasses normal access controls and validation mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized redirects, creating a pathway for phishing attacks, credential harvesting, or malware distribution through seemingly legitimate search results.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple redirection attacks to encompass broader security implications for MediaWiki installations. Organizations running affected versions face risks of user deception, where visitors may be unknowingly redirected to malicious sites, potentially leading to credential theft, malware infections, or other malicious activities. The vulnerability affects all MediaWiki installations that utilize the Special:Search feature with interwiki functionality enabled, making it particularly concerning for large-scale deployments or public wikis where user interaction is high.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0364 require immediate implementation of the official security patches released by the MediaWiki development team. System administrators should upgrade to the patched versions 1.28.1, 1.27.2, or 1.23.16 depending on their current installation. Additionally, organizations should implement enhanced input validation measures, restrict interwiki link configurations to trusted domains only, and monitor search logs for suspicious redirect patterns. Network-level controls such as web application firewalls can provide additional protection layers, though the primary defense remains the official software updates that address the core validation flaw in the interwiki link processing mechanism.