CVE-2021-40369 in JSPWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 11/24/2021
A carefully crafted plugin link invocation could trigger an XSS vulnerability on Apache JSPWiki, related to the Denounce plugin, which could allow the attacker to execute javascript in the victim's browser and get some sensitive information about the victim. Apache JSPWiki users should upgrade to 2.11.0 or later.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2021
The vulnerability CVE-2021-40369 represents a cross-site scripting flaw within Apache JSPWiki's Denounce plugin, classified under CWE-79 as improper neutralization of input during web page generation. This vulnerability arises from insufficient validation and sanitization of user-supplied input when processing plugin links, creating an avenue for malicious actors to inject arbitrary javascript code into the wiki's web interface. The flaw specifically manifests when the Denounce plugin handles crafted plugin link invocations, allowing attackers to manipulate the plugin's behavior through carefully constructed input parameters that bypass normal security controls.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of plugin link parameters that are not adequately sanitized before being rendered in web pages. When a victim's browser processes a maliciously crafted plugin link, the unsanitized input gets executed as javascript within the victim's browser context, potentially enabling attackers to steal session cookies, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of the victim, or extract sensitive information from the victim's browser environment. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Phishing and T1531 for Account Access Through Web Shell, as it enables attackers to establish persistent access through browser-based attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete session hijacking and privilege escalation within the wiki environment. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to impersonate legitimate users, access restricted content, modify wiki pages, or even escalate privileges to administrator levels depending on the wiki's configuration and user permissions. The vulnerability affects all versions prior to 2.11.0, making it particularly concerning for organizations that have not yet upgraded their JSPWiki installations. The attack vector is particularly insidious because it can be delivered through seemingly legitimate wiki links or plugin invocations, making it difficult for users to distinguish between benign and malicious content.
Organizations should immediately implement the recommended mitigation strategy of upgrading to Apache JSPWiki version 2.11.0 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the input validation issues in the Denounce plugin. Additionally, administrators should consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution capabilities within the wiki environment, and conduct thorough security reviews of all custom plugins to ensure they properly sanitize user input. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious plugin link patterns, and user education should emphasize the importance of verifying the legitimacy of all wiki links and plugin invocations before clicking them. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of regular security audits and vulnerability assessments for web applications, particularly those that rely heavily on plugin architectures where individual components can introduce security risks that affect the entire system.