CVE-2017-0368 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE
Mediawiki before 1.28.1 / 1.27.2 / 1.23.16 contains a flaw making rawHTML mode apply to system messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-0368 affects MediaWiki versions prior to 1.28.1, 1.27.2, and 1.23.16, representing a critical security flaw in the wiki platform's handling of raw HTML content. This issue specifically impacts the rawHTML mode functionality within the system, which is designed to allow administrators to embed raw HTML code into wiki pages. The flaw occurs when the system processes raw HTML content that should be restricted to user-generated pages but instead extends to system messages, which are typically protected administrative elements that control the wiki's operational behavior and user interface components. This vulnerability stems from improper access control mechanisms that fail to distinguish between user content and system-critical messages during HTML processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the MediaWiki core's HTML sanitization and rendering pipeline where rawHTML mode is invoked. When system messages are processed, the application incorrectly applies the rawHTML mode permissions, allowing potentially malicious HTML code to be executed within system contexts. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates a failure in input validation and access control enforcement. The flaw essentially creates a path for privilege escalation where an attacker could inject malicious code into system messages, potentially compromising the entire wiki platform's integrity and security posture. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-20: Improper Input Validation, specifically manifesting as CWE-284: Improper Access Control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code injection, as it provides attackers with the ability to manipulate core system functionality through crafted HTML content within system messages. An attacker could potentially modify user interface elements, redirect users to malicious sites, or even execute arbitrary code within the wiki environment. This threat is particularly severe because system messages control fundamental aspects of how the wiki operates, including user authentication flows, navigation elements, and administrative interfaces. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that could remain active as long as the affected system continues to process system messages, potentially allowing attackers to establish backdoors or maintain long-term access to the platform. The attack surface is further expanded by the fact that system messages are often processed automatically without user interaction, making exploitation more likely and harder to detect.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-0368 require immediate implementation of the vendor-provided patches for MediaWiki versions 1.28.1, 1.27.2, and 1.23.16, which address the core access control flaw in the rawHTML mode implementation. Organizations should also implement strict content validation policies that enforce separation between user-generated content and system messages, ensuring that no raw HTML processing is applied to protected system elements. Network-level monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous system message modifications, while administrative access controls should be reviewed to ensure that only authorized personnel can modify system messages. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and implementing robust input sanitization mechanisms. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.001: Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078.004: Valid Accounts, as it allows for code execution and potential account compromise through system message manipulation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing web application firewalls and content security policies to provide additional defense-in-depth measures against similar vulnerabilities. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control issues in other components of the wiki platform's architecture.