CVE-2022-36091 in XWiki Platform Web Templates
Summary
by MITRE • 09/08/2022
XWiki Platform Web Templates are templates for XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform. Through the suggestion feature, string and list properties of objects the user shouldn't have access to can be accessed in versions prior to 13.10.4 and 14.2. This includes private personal information like email addresses and salted password hashes of registered users but also other information stored in properties of objects. Sensitive configuration fields like passwords for LDAP or SMTP servers could be accessed. By exploiting an additional vulnerability, this issue can even be exploited on private wikis at least for string properties. The issue is patched in version 13.10.4 and 14.2. Password properties are no longer displayed and rights are checked for other properties. A workaround is available. The template file `suggest.vm` can be replaced by a patched version without upgrading or restarting XWiki unless it has been overridden, in which case the overridden template should be patched, too. This might need adjustments for older versions, though.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/09/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-36091 represents a critical access control flaw within the XWiki Platform Web Templates system, specifically affecting versions prior to 13.10.4 and 14.2. This issue stems from insufficient authorization checks within the suggestion feature mechanism, which allows unauthorized users to access object properties that should remain restricted to authorized personnel. The flaw manifests through the `suggest.vm` template file that processes user requests for property suggestions, creating a pathway for information disclosure that extends beyond normal user permissions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and directly impacts the platform's information security controls, potentially exposing sensitive user data including personal email addresses, salted password hashes, and configuration parameters. According to CWE-284, this vulnerability represents an improper access control condition where the system fails to properly enforce access restrictions on object properties, while the ATT&CK framework would categorize this under privilege escalation and credential access techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the suggestion feature's lack of proper rights validation when processing user requests for object property access. When users submit requests through the suggestion mechanism, the system fails to verify whether the requesting user has appropriate permissions to access specific properties of objects within the wiki platform. This weakness allows attackers to probe for and retrieve sensitive information stored in object properties, including private user data and system configuration details. The flaw particularly affects string and list properties, with the vulnerability extending to private wikis when combined with additional exploitation techniques. The impact is significant as it enables unauthorized access to user credentials and system configuration parameters, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or conduct further reconnaissance attacks. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic broken access control pattern where the system's authorization mechanisms are bypassed during property access operations, creating a direct pathway for information disclosure.
The operational impact of CVE-2022-36091 extends far beyond simple information disclosure, as it provides attackers with access to critical system components and user data that could facilitate more sophisticated attacks. The exposure of salted password hashes compromises user authentication security, while access to LDAP and SMTP server passwords could enable attackers to gain further access to integrated systems. Private wiki instances become particularly vulnerable when combined with other exploitation techniques, as the access control bypass can be leveraged to extract sensitive organizational information. Organizations using affected XWiki versions face significant risks including potential credential compromise, unauthorized data access, and possible system infiltration. The vulnerability affects the platform's core security model by undermining the principle of least privilege, where users should only access resources necessary for their authorized functions. This weakness creates opportunities for attackers to gather intelligence for targeted attacks, conduct social engineering campaigns, or perform lateral movement within compromised environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36091 include immediate patching to versions 13.10.4 and 14.2, which implement proper access control checks and prevent display of password properties. The patch addresses the root cause by enforcing authorization validation before property access and implementing stricter access controls for sensitive data. Organizations can also implement the workaround of replacing the `suggest.vm` template file, though this requires careful attention to template overrides and may need adjustments for older versions. System administrators should conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify affected instances and ensure proper patch deployment across all wiki platforms. Additional security measures include monitoring for unauthorized access attempts, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure, and conducting regular security audits of wiki configurations. The remediation process should also include user access reviews to ensure proper permission assignments and implementation of security logging to detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems to provide defense-in-depth against similar vulnerabilities.