CVE-2022-23618 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 there is no protection against URL redirection to untrusted sites, in particular some well known parameters (xredirect) can be used to perform url redirections. This problem has been patched in XWiki 12.10.7 and XWiki 13.3RC1. Users are advised to update. There are no known workarounds for this issue.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/13/2022
The CVE-2022-23618 vulnerability affects the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki platform that provides runtime services for applications built upon it. This platform serves as a foundation for numerous enterprise wiki solutions and collaborative environments where users create, share, and manage content. The vulnerability represents a critical security flaw that undermines the platform's ability to protect users from malicious redirection attacks. The issue stems from insufficient validation of URL redirection parameters, specifically the xredirect parameter which is commonly used within the platform's architecture. This weakness creates a significant risk for users who may unknowingly be redirected to malicious websites while navigating through the wiki platform.
The technical flaw in XWiki Platform stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of URL redirection parameters. When the xredirect parameter is processed, the system fails to properly verify that the target URL belongs to a trusted domain or that it meets security requirements before allowing the redirection to occur. This vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious URLs that would redirect users to phishing sites, malware distribution points, or other malicious destinations. The flaw exists in the platform's core redirection logic and affects all versions prior to the patched releases of 12.10.7 and 13.3RC1. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-601 as URL Redirection to Untrusted Site, which is a well-documented weakness in web application security where applications fail to validate that redirect URLs point to trusted destinations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user inconvenience to pose serious security risks for organizations relying on XWiki Platform. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to conduct phishing campaigns, steal user credentials, or distribute malware by redirecting users to malicious sites. The attack surface is particularly concerning as it affects the platform's core functionality, meaning that any user interaction with links or navigation features could potentially trigger the malicious redirection. Organizations using XWiki platforms may experience data breaches, credential theft, or compromised user sessions. The vulnerability also impacts user trust in the platform, as users may unknowingly navigate to malicious sites while performing routine wiki operations. This type of vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 which covers Phishing through Social Engineering, where attackers use web-based attacks to compromise user systems.
Organizations should immediately update their XWiki Platform installations to versions 12.10.7 or 13.3RC1 to remediate this vulnerability. The lack of known workarounds means that organizations cannot implement temporary mitigations while waiting for updates. Security teams should conduct thorough assessments of their XWiki installations to identify all affected systems and ensure proper patching across all instances. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect any suspicious redirection patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and the need for robust security controls in web applications that handle user-provided URLs or redirection parameters. Organizations should also review their web application security practices and ensure that all redirection mechanisms include proper validation and domain checking to prevent similar issues from occurring in other applications.