CVE-2023-35157 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 06/23/2023
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. It's possible to perform an XSS by forging a request to a delete attachment action with a specific attachment name. Now this XSS can be exploited only if the attacker knows the CSRF token of the user, or if the user ignores the warning about the missing CSRF token. The vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 15.1-rc-1 and XWiki 14.10.6.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2023
The CVE-2023-35157 vulnerability affects the XWiki Platform, a widely-used generic wiki platform that provides runtime services for applications built upon it. This platform serves as a foundation for collaborative environments where users create, edit, and manage content through web interfaces. The vulnerability manifests as a cross-site scripting flaw that can be exploited during the deletion of attachments within the system. The attack vector specifically targets the delete attachment action when a malicious user crafts a request with a specially formatted attachment name, creating a potential security risk for organizations relying on XWiki for document management and collaboration.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and sanitization within the attachment deletion functionality. When a user attempts to delete an attachment, the system processes the attachment name parameter without adequate sanitization of potentially malicious content. This flaw creates an opening for attackers to inject malicious scripts that execute in the context of other users' browsers. The vulnerability requires either knowledge of a user's CSRF token or the user's deliberate disregard of CSRF token warnings to be successfully exploited, indicating that while the attack requires some prerequisite conditions, it represents a significant security weakness in the platform's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting flaws, and demonstrates how insufficient validation of user-provided data can lead to dangerous execution contexts within web applications.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35157 extends beyond simple script execution, potentially enabling attackers to perform various malicious activities within the compromised user's session. An attacker could leverage this vulnerability to steal session cookies, redirect users to malicious sites, or perform unauthorized actions on behalf of victims. Given that XWiki platforms often contain sensitive organizational information, the exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to data breaches, privilege escalation, or unauthorized content modification. The requirement for either a valid CSRF token or user negligence suggests that while the attack surface is somewhat limited, the potential for exploitation increases when users are not properly trained about security warnings or when token management processes are inadequate. This vulnerability particularly impacts collaborative environments where multiple users interact with shared documents and attachments, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on wiki-based collaboration systems.
The remediation for CVE-2023-35157 was addressed in XWiki versions 15.1-rc-1 and 14.10.6, which implemented proper input validation and sanitization for attachment names during deletion operations. The patched versions likely incorporate enhanced CSRF token validation mechanisms and improved parameter handling to prevent malicious content from being processed as part of the attachment deletion request. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to these patched versions to mitigate the vulnerability. Security teams should also implement additional monitoring for suspicious attachment deletion patterns and ensure that users receive proper security training regarding CSRF warnings. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of comprehensive input validation and the necessity of maintaining current security patches in collaborative platforms. Organizations using XWiki should conduct thorough security assessments to identify any potential exploitation attempts and review their access control policies to ensure that users understand the importance of CSRF protection mechanisms. This vulnerability also highlights the need for continuous security testing of web applications, particularly those handling user-generated content and collaborative features that may introduce complex attack vectors.