CVE-2022-23616 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 02/10/2022
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. In affected versions it's possible for an unprivileged user to perform a remote code execution by injecting a groovy script in her own profile and by calling the Reset password feature since the feature is performing a save of the user profile with programming rights in the impacted versions of XWiki. The issue has been patched in XWiki 13.1RC1. There are two different possible workarounds, each consisting of modifying the XWiki/ResetPassword page. 1. The Reset password feature can be entirely disabled by deleting the XWiki/ResetPassword page. 2. The script in XWiki/ResetPassword can also be modified or removed: an administrator can replace it with a simple email contact to ask an administrator to reset the password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
CVE-2022-23616 represents a critical remote code execution vulnerability within the XWiki Platform that exploits a fundamental flaw in user profile handling and password reset functionality. This vulnerability exists in XWiki versions prior to 13.1RC1 and allows unprivileged attackers to escalate their privileges by injecting malicious Groovy scripts into their own user profiles. The attack vector specifically leverages the password reset feature which, in affected versions, performs a profile save operation with programming rights enabled, creating a dangerous execution environment where user-controlled input can be interpreted as executable code. The vulnerability is classified as a code injection flaw that directly violates security principles by granting user profiles elevated privileges during routine operations.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted attack chain that begins with an unauthenticated or low-privilege user creating a malicious Groovy script within their profile data. When the user triggers the password reset functionality, the system processes this profile data without proper sanitization or privilege isolation, allowing the injected script to execute with the same privileges as the profile saving operation. This represents a classic example of insecure deserialization combined with insufficient input validation, where user-controllable data flows directly into execution contexts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and demonstrates how seemingly benign features can become attack surfaces when proper security boundaries are not maintained.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-23616 extends far beyond simple privilege escalation, as successful exploitation provides attackers with complete system control through the execution of arbitrary code. This capability enables attackers to install backdoors, exfiltrate sensitive data, modify system configurations, or establish persistent access to the affected environment. The vulnerability's severity is amplified by its remote nature, requiring no local system access or prior authentication to exploit, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments where profile management and password reset features are commonly used. Organizations running affected XWiki versions face significant risk of data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their networks, as the vulnerability can be exploited by anyone with access to the platform's user registration or login functionality.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability encompass both immediate defensive measures and long-term architectural improvements. The primary patch solution involves upgrading to XWiki version 13.1RC1 or later, which implements proper input validation and privilege separation during profile save operations. Organizations without immediate upgrade capabilities should implement one of two documented workarounds, both of which involve modifying the XWiki/ResetPassword page to prevent the execution of user-controlled code. The first workaround completely disables the password reset functionality by removing the associated page, while the second approach involves replacing the script with a safe email contact mechanism that requires administrator intervention. These mitigations align with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for "Command and Scripting Interpreter: Groovy" and demonstrate the importance of principle of least privilege implementation in web application security. Security teams should also consider implementing additional monitoring for unusual profile modifications and password reset activities, as these may indicate attempted exploitation of similar vulnerabilities in the platform's ecosystem.