CVE-2022-23622 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 a cross site scripting (XSS) vector in the `registerinline.vm` template related to the `xredirect` hidden field. This template is only used in the following conditions: 1. The wiki must be open to registration for anyone. 2. The wiki must be closed to view for Guest users or more specifically the XWiki.Registration page must be forbidden in View for guest user. A way to obtain the second condition is when administrators checked the "Prevent unregistered users from viewing pages, regardless of the page rights" box in the administration rights. This issue is patched in versions 12.10.11, 14.0-rc-1, 13.4.7, 13.10.3. There are two main ways for protecting against this vulnerability, the easiest and the best one is by applying a patch in the `registerinline.vm` template, the patch consists in checking the value of the xredirect field to ensure it matches: ``. If for some reason it's not possible to patch this file, another workaround is to ensure "Prevent unregistered users from viewing pages, regardless of the page rights" is not checked in the rights and apply a better right scheme using groups and rights on spaces.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/14/2022
The CVE-2022-23622 vulnerability affects the XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform that provides runtime services for applications built upon it. This cross-site scripting vulnerability exists within the `registerinline.vm` template and specifically relates to the `xredirect` hidden field. The vulnerability represents a significant security risk as it allows attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a victim's browser, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or unauthorized actions within the wiki environment. The flaw manifests when specific conditions are met, making it a targeted vulnerability rather than a universal threat across all XWiki installations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the registration template. The `xredirect` field, which is intended to control where users are redirected after registration, fails to properly sanitize or validate its input. This allows malicious actors to inject malicious scripts that execute when the page renders. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires specific configuration conditions to be exploitable, yet these conditions are commonly implemented in secure wiki environments. The flaw aligns with CWE-79, which describes Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities, and demonstrates how improper input validation can create persistent security weaknesses in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations using XWiki platforms with specific security configurations. When a wiki is configured to allow open registration while simultaneously restricting guest viewing access, the vulnerability becomes exploitable. This scenario is common in enterprise environments where administrators implement strict access controls but inadvertently create conditions that enable XSS attacks. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to inject malicious payloads that persist across user sessions, potentially compromising the entire wiki platform. The attack vector is particularly dangerous because it can be executed by unauthenticated users attempting to register, making it an attractive target for threat actors seeking to compromise wiki environments.
The vulnerability has been addressed through multiple version releases including 12.10.11, 14.0-rc-1, 13.4.7, and 13.10.3, demonstrating the severity of the issue. The recommended patch involves implementing validation checks for the `xredirect` field to ensure it matches expected patterns, specifically requiring the field to match a particular format. This approach aligns with defensive programming practices and follows the principle of least privilege by validating all inputs. Alternative mitigation strategies include disabling the "Prevent unregistered users from viewing pages" setting and implementing more granular access controls using groups and space-level permissions. These workarounds reflect ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and access control bypass, where attackers exploit misconfigurations to gain unauthorized access to resources. Organizations should prioritize applying the official patches while implementing proper access controls to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor configuration decisions can create significant security exposure points in wiki platforms.