CVE-2023-32071 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 05/09/2023
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Starting in versions 2.2-milestone-1 and prior to versions 14.4.8, 14.10.4, and 15.0-rc-1, it's possible to execute javascript with the right of any user by leading him to a special URL on the wiki targeting a page which contains an attachment. This has been patched in XWiki 15.0-rc-1, 14.10.4, and 14.4.8. The easiest possible workaround is to edit file `/templates/importinline.vm` and apply the modification described in commit 28905f7f518cc6f21ea61fe37e9e1ed97ef36f01.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/01/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-32071 represents a critical server-side request forgery and cross-site scripting flaw within the XWiki Platform, a widely-used generic wiki platform that serves as a collaborative content management system for organizations worldwide. This vulnerability exists in versions 2.2-milestone-1 through 14.4.7, 14.10.3, and 15.0-rc-1, creating a significant security risk where attackers can execute arbitrary javascript code with the privileges of any user who visits a maliciously crafted URL. The flaw specifically targets the platform's handling of attachments and inline import functionality, allowing remote code execution through carefully constructed web requests that leverage the platform's template processing mechanisms. The vulnerability has been classified under CWE-79 as a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) issue, which falls under the broader category of web application security weaknesses that can lead to session hijacking, data theft, and complete system compromise.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through a carefully crafted URL that directs users to a wiki page containing a malicious attachment, which then triggers javascript execution within the context of the victim's session. The attack vector specifically targets the `/templates/importinline.vm` file, which handles inline content import operations and fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input or validate attachment content before rendering it in the browser context. This flaw enables attackers to inject malicious javascript code that executes with the privileges of the targeted user, potentially allowing for privilege escalation, session manipulation, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability demonstrates a classic lack of input validation and output encoding that is commonly addressed through proper security controls in web application development frameworks and security standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-32071 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access to wiki platforms, potentially compromising entire collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared content. Organizations relying on XWiki for knowledge management, documentation, or internal collaboration may face significant risks including unauthorized data access, content manipulation, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects not just individual user sessions but can also compromise the integrity of the entire wiki platform, as the malicious javascript execution occurs within the context of legitimate user privileges. This makes the attack particularly dangerous because it can bypass traditional security controls and appear as legitimate user activity, making detection and forensic analysis more challenging. The vulnerability also impacts the platform's trust model, as users may unknowingly execute malicious code when viewing attachments or content from compromised wiki pages.
The recommended mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-32071 involve immediate patching to versions 15.0-rc-1, 14.10.4, and 14.4.8, which contain the necessary code fixes to prevent the javascript execution vulnerability. The specific workaround involving modification of the `/templates/importinline.vm` file provides an interim solution for organizations unable to immediately apply the official patches, requiring administrators to modify the template file as described in commit 28905f7f518cc6f21ea61fe37e9e1ed97ef36f01. This approach implements proper input sanitization and output encoding to prevent malicious javascript from being executed within the platform's rendering context. Organizations should also implement additional security measures including web application firewalls, content security policies, and regular security assessments to monitor for similar vulnerabilities in their XWiki deployments. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059.007 for Scripting and T1566.002 for Spearphishing Attachment, highlighting the attack techniques that leverage these specific weaknesses in web applications to achieve unauthorized code execution.