CVE-2022-36096 in XWiki Platform Index UI
Summary
by MITRE • 09/09/2022
The XWiki Platform Index UI is an Index of all pages, attachments, orphans and deleted pages and attachments for XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform. Prior to versions 13.10.6 and 14.3, it's possible to store JavaScript which will be executed by anyone viewing the deleted attachments index with an attachment containing javascript in its name. This issue has been patched in XWiki 13.10.6 and 14.3. As a workaround, modify fix the vulnerability by editing the wiki page `XWiki.DeletedAttachments` with the object editor, open the `JavaScriptExtension` object and apply on the content the changes that can be found on the fix commit.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/14/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-36096 affects the XWiki Platform Index UI component, specifically targeting the handling of deleted attachments within the platform's wiki environment. This issue exists in versions prior to 13.10.6 and 14.3 of the XWiki Platform, representing a significant security flaw that allows for arbitrary code execution through maliciously crafted attachment names. The affected system operates as a generic wiki platform where users can create, manage, and organize content through pages, attachments, orphans, and deleted pages and attachments. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing attachment names that contain JavaScript code, creating a persistent cross-site scripting attack vector.
The technical flaw manifests when a user uploads an attachment with JavaScript code embedded within its filename, which then gets stored in the system's deleted attachments index. When another user accesses the deleted attachments index page, the stored JavaScript executes in the context of the victim's browser session. This represents a classic server-side cross-site scripting vulnerability where the malicious payload is stored and executed during subsequent page rendering. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) flaw, specifically involving the improper handling of user-provided data in web applications. The attack vector leverages the platform's index UI functionality to deliver malicious scripts to unsuspecting users who view the deleted attachments listing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can potentially enable attackers to hijack user sessions, steal sensitive information, perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims, or redirect users to malicious websites. Since the vulnerability affects the deleted attachments index page, it impacts all users who have access to view deleted content, making it particularly dangerous in collaborative environments where multiple users interact with the wiki platform. The threat model aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for Initial Access through Spearphishing Attachment, where malicious attachments serve as the attack vector, and T1059.007 for Command and Scripting Interpreter through JavaScript execution. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the platform's data and user sessions, potentially compromising the entire wiki environment's security posture.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-36096 include immediate patching to versions 13.10.6 or 14.3 of the XWiki Platform, which contain the necessary security fixes. Organizations should also implement the manual workaround provided by the vendor, which involves modifying the wiki page XWiki.DeletedAttachments through the object editor and applying specific changes to the JavaScriptExtension object. Additional defensive measures include implementing strict input validation for attachment names, sanitizing all user-provided content before storage, and establishing monitoring protocols to detect anomalous attachment naming patterns. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that JavaScript code within attachment names is properly escaped or removed during the index generation process, preventing the execution of malicious scripts during page rendering. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their XWiki installations to identify any other potential vulnerabilities in their wiki platform configuration and ensure proper access controls are maintained throughout the system.