CVE-2022-24898 in xwiki-commons-xml
Summary
by MITRE • 04/29/2022
org.xwiki.commons:xwiki-commons-xml is a common module used by other XWiki top level projects. Starting in version 2.7 and prior to versions 12.10.10, 13.4.4, and 13.8-rc-1, it is possible for a script to access any file accessing to the user running XWiki application server with XML External Entity Injection through the XML script service. The problem has been patched in versions 12.10.10, 13.4.4, and 13.8-rc-1. There is no easy workaround for fixing this vulnerability other than upgrading and being careful when giving Script rights.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-24898 affects the xwiki-commons-xml module within the XWiki platform ecosystem, representing a critical XML External Entity Injection (XXE) flaw that has significant implications for application security. This vulnerability exists in versions 2.7 through the affected releases, creating a pathway for malicious scripts to exploit the XML processing capabilities of the system. The flaw specifically manifests through the XML script service which allows scripts to access files on the server filesystem, directly correlating to the user context under which the XWiki application server operates. This presents a severe risk as attackers can leverage the vulnerability to read arbitrary files, potentially accessing sensitive configuration data, database credentials, or other system resources that the application server user has access to.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the XML processing pipeline of the xwiki-commons-xml module. When the XML script service processes external XML content, it fails to properly restrict access to external entities and references, allowing attackers to craft malicious XML payloads that can trigger the loading of external resources. This behavior aligns with CWE-611, which categorizes improper restriction of XML external entity reference as a critical weakness in XML processing. The vulnerability's exploitation requires a script to be executed within the context of the XWiki application, typically through user interaction with vulnerable components or administrative configuration. The attack vector leverages the application's legitimate XML parsing capabilities to create unauthorized access to system resources, making it particularly dangerous as it can bypass traditional security controls that might protect against direct file system access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and potentially gain deeper system access. When exploited, the vulnerability allows for arbitrary file access that could include sensitive configuration files, application source code, or other critical system resources that the XWiki server user context can access. This capability creates a pathway for attackers to gather intelligence about the system architecture, identify additional vulnerabilities, or even establish persistence mechanisms through the manipulation of application configuration files. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where XWiki applications are configured with elevated privileges or where administrators grant scripting permissions to untrusted users, as these scenarios create the ideal conditions for exploitation. The security implications are further exacerbated by the fact that the vulnerability exists in multiple version streams, requiring careful attention to patch management across different XWiki releases and maintenance branches.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-24898 are primarily centered on immediate remediation through version upgrades to the patched releases 12.10.10, 13.4.4, or 13.8-rc-1, as no effective workaround exists for this particular vulnerability. Organizations should prioritize patch deployment across all affected XWiki installations to prevent exploitation, particularly in environments where the application server operates with elevated privileges or where scripting capabilities are exposed to potentially untrusted users. The vulnerability's classification under ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for script-based attacks and T1068 for local privilege escalation highlights the multi-faceted nature of the threat, requiring comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching. Additionally, organizations should implement strict access controls and principle of least privilege for XWiki scripting capabilities, ensuring that only trusted administrators have the ability to execute scripts that could potentially access system resources. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual file access patterns or attempts to process external XML content that could indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability creates a persistent attack surface that could be leveraged for continued compromise. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure XML processing practices and proper input validation in web applications, particularly those that handle external data processing capabilities.