CVE-2023-26477 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 03/02/2023
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Starting in versions 6.3-rc-1 and 6.2.4, it's possible to inject arbitrary wiki syntax including Groovy, Python and Velocity script macros via the `newThemeName` request parameter (URL parameter), in combination with additional parameters. This has been patched in the supported versions 13.10.10, 14.9-rc-1, and 14.4.6. As a workaround, it is possible to edit `FlamingoThemesCode.WebHomeSheet` and manually perform the changes from the patch fixing the issue.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/30/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-26477 affects the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki platform that serves as a collaborative environment for content management and documentation. This security flaw resides in the platform's handling of user input through the `newThemeName` request parameter, which is processed as a URL parameter. The vulnerability was introduced in versions 6.3-rc-1 and 6.2.4, making it a persistent issue that affected multiple release branches of the platform. The flaw represents a critical server-side request forgery vulnerability that allows attackers to inject arbitrary wiki syntax including Groovy, Python, and Velocity script macros directly into the platform's processing pipeline.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the platform's insufficient input validation and sanitization mechanisms when processing the `newThemeName` parameter. Attackers can manipulate this parameter to inject malicious scripting code that gets executed within the wiki environment, potentially allowing for arbitrary code execution on the server. This type of vulnerability falls under CWE-94, which describes "Improper Control of Generation of Code ('Code Injection')" and specifically relates to situations where user-controllable data is used to generate code without proper sanitization. The vulnerability enables attackers to execute scripts in multiple scripting languages supported by XWiki, including Groovy which is commonly used for server-side scripting, Python for general-purpose automation, and Velocity for template processing, creating multiple attack vectors within the same vulnerability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, as it allows for complete compromise of the affected XWiki instances. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, modify or delete content, create backdoor accounts, or even escalate privileges to system-level access. The vulnerability affects the core functionality of the platform and can be exploited through simple URL manipulation without requiring authentication, making it particularly dangerous in environments where the wiki platform is exposed to untrusted users or external networks. This vulnerability also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059, "Command and Scripting Interpreter," as it enables attackers to execute arbitrary code through scripting languages supported by the platform.
The vulnerability has been addressed through official patches released in versions 13.10.10, 14.9-rc-1, and 14.4.6, which implement proper input validation and sanitization for the `newThemeName` parameter. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately upgrade to these patched versions to eliminate the risk of exploitation. As a temporary workaround, administrators can manually edit the `FlamingoThemesCode.WebHomeSheet` file to apply the necessary patch fixes directly to the configuration files, though this approach is less ideal than a proper software upgrade. Security teams should also implement monitoring for suspicious parameter usage patterns and consider network-level controls to prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of input validation in web applications and highlights the need for proper sanitization of all user-controllable data, particularly in content management systems where users may have the ability to modify platform configuration through parameter manipulation.