CVE-2017-12583 in DokuWiki
Summary
by MITRE
DokuWiki through 2017-02-19b has XSS in the at parameter (aka the DATE_AT variable) to doku.php.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2017-12583 represents a cross-site scripting flaw discovered in DokuWiki versions up to 2017-02-19b, specifically affecting the handling of the at parameter within the doku.php script. This issue arises from insufficient input validation and sanitization of user-supplied data, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary JavaScript code into the application's response. The vulnerability manifests when the DATE_AT variable, which is derived from the at parameter, is processed without proper escaping or filtering mechanisms. This flaw allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that, when executed, can execute arbitrary scripts in the context of the victim's browser session, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or other malicious activities.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly sanitize user input before incorporating it into dynamic content generation. When a user accesses a URL containing a malicious at parameter, the DokuWiki application processes this parameter and includes it in the page output without adequate HTML escaping or context-appropriate filtering. This creates a classic XSS vector where the attacker can inject script tags, event handlers, or other malicious code that executes in the victim's browser when they view the affected page. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects a core application component that handles date-related functionality, making it accessible through standard navigation paths within the wiki system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can be leveraged for more sophisticated attacks within the context of a compromised user session. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or inject content that modifies the wiki's appearance and functionality. The vulnerability affects all users who access the affected DokuWiki instances, particularly those who may inadvertently click on links containing malicious payloads. Given that DokuWiki is widely used for collaborative documentation and knowledge management, the potential for widespread impact is significant, especially in environments where users trust the wiki content and may not be vigilant about URL inspection.
Security mitigations for CVE-2017-12583 should focus on input validation and output encoding strategies that align with established security practices. The most effective immediate solution involves implementing proper HTML escaping for all user-supplied input that is rendered in web pages, particularly for parameters like the at parameter that are directly incorporated into page content. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and other potentially dangerous content. This vulnerability maps to CWE-79 Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation, which is categorized under the broader category of injection flaws in the CWE hierarchy. From an ATT&CK perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1059.008 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, as it enables the execution of malicious JavaScript code through web-based attacks. The remediation process should include updating to patched versions of DokuWiki, implementing comprehensive input validation routines, and establishing regular security audits to identify similar issues in other application components.