CVE-2023-35159 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. Users are able to forge an URL with a payload allowing to inject Javascript in the page (XSS). It's possible to exploit the deletespace template to perform a XSS, e.g. by using URL such as: > xwiki/bin/deletespace/Sandbox/?xredirect=javascript:alert(document.domain). This vulnerability exists since XWiki 3.4-milestone-1. The vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 14.10.5 and 15.1-rc-1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/17/2023
The CVE-2023-35159 vulnerability represents a cross-site scripting flaw in the XWiki Platform that allows remote attackers to inject malicious javascript code through carefully crafted URLs. This vulnerability specifically affects the deletespace template functionality within the platform's web interface, enabling attackers to manipulate the xredirect parameter to execute arbitrary javascript code in the context of a victim's browser. The issue stems from insufficient input validation and output encoding mechanisms that fail to properly sanitize user-supplied parameters before incorporating them into web responses. This vulnerability has existed in XWiki installations since version 3.4-milestone-1, making it a long-standing security concern that affected numerous deployments across different organizational environments.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of the deletespace endpoint URL structure, specifically targeting the xredirect parameter which is used to redirect users after space deletion operations. When an attacker crafts a URL with a malicious javascript payload in the xredirect parameter such as javascript:alert(document.domain), the platform fails to properly validate or escape this input before rendering it in the browser context. This allows the injected javascript code to execute with the privileges of the authenticated user, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or further exploitation of the affected system. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input sanitization practices and highlights the importance of proper parameter validation in web applications, particularly those handling user-provided data through URL parameters.
The operational impact of CVE-2023-35159 extends beyond simple script execution, as it can enable attackers to perform sophisticated attacks such as credential theft, session manipulation, and privilege escalation within the XWiki environment. Since XWiki serves as a foundation for various enterprise applications, successful exploitation could compromise not just the wiki platform itself but also any applications built on top of it. The vulnerability affects users with varying levels of access, making it particularly dangerous in environments where administrators and regular users share the same platform. Organizations using XWiki for collaborative workspaces, documentation systems, or application development platforms face significant risk from this vulnerability, as it could allow attackers to gain unauthorized access to sensitive information or manipulate the platform's functionality.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-35159 should prioritize immediate patching of affected XWiki installations to versions 14.10.5 or 15.1-rc-1 as recommended by the vendor. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block malicious URL patterns targeting the deletespace endpoint. Input validation should be strengthened to ensure all parameters passed to the xredirect functionality are properly sanitized and validated against a whitelist of acceptable values. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments of their XWiki deployments to identify any other potential attack vectors within the platform's URL handling mechanisms. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-79 Cross-site Scripting and follows patterns commonly associated with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 Command and Scripting Interpreter: JavaScript, demonstrating how insecure input handling can lead to client-side code execution. Organizations should also consider implementing Content Security Policy headers to limit the execution of inline scripts and reduce the impact of successful XSS attacks.