CVE-2023-45136 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 10/25/2023
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. When document names are validated according to a name strategy (disabled by default), XWiki starting in version 12.0-rc-1 and prior to versions 12.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1 is vulnerable to a reflected cross-site scripting attack in the page creation form. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary actions with the rights of the user opening the malicious link. Depending on the rights of the user, this may allow remote code execution and full read and write access to the whole XWiki installation. This has been patched in XWiki 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1 by adding appropriate escaping. The vulnerable template file `createinline.vm` is part of XWiki's WAR and can be patched by manually applying the changes from the fix.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/17/2023
The vulnerability CVE-2023-45136 affects the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki platform that provides runtime services for applications built on top of it. This security flaw exists in XWiki versions starting from 12.0-rc-1 up to but not including 12.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1, making it a significant concern for organizations relying on this platform for content management and collaboration. The vulnerability specifically targets the document name validation process when a name strategy is enabled, which is disabled by default but can be activated by administrators. This creates a potential attack vector that could be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the entire XWiki installation.
The technical flaw manifests as a reflected cross-site scripting vulnerability within the page creation form of the XWiki platform. When document names are validated according to a name strategy, the application fails to properly sanitize user input before rendering it in the web interface. The vulnerable template file createinline.vm serves as the attack surface where malicious payloads can be injected and subsequently executed in the context of a victim's browser session. This reflected XSS vulnerability allows attackers to craft malicious links that, when clicked by an unsuspecting user, execute arbitrary JavaScript code with the privileges of that user. The severity of this vulnerability is amplified by the fact that XWiki users often have elevated privileges, potentially granting attackers full read and write access to the entire installation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple script execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise depending on the user's permissions. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can execute arbitrary actions with the rights of the user who opens the malicious link, potentially escalating to full administrative control of the XWiki platform. This risk is particularly concerning because XWiki installations often contain sensitive organizational data, and users with appropriate permissions may have access to critical system functions. The vulnerability's potential for remote code execution makes it especially dangerous, as it could allow attackers to establish persistent access, exfiltrate data, or modify system configurations. The reflected nature of the vulnerability means that attackers can deliver payloads through various means, including phishing emails, malicious websites, or compromised third-party integrations.
The security community has addressed this vulnerability through proper input sanitization and output escaping mechanisms implemented in XWiki versions 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1. The fix specifically targets the createinline.vm template file, which is part of XWiki's WAR distribution and can be manually patched by administrators who cannot immediately upgrade to the patched versions. This remediation follows established security principles that align with CWE-79, which describes cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, and addresses techniques commonly referenced in ATT&CK framework under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter. Organizations should prioritize patching their XWiki installations to prevent exploitation, as the vulnerability's impact increases with user privileges and the potential for lateral movement within the compromised system. The default disablement of the name strategy validation provides some protection, but administrators should carefully evaluate their configuration settings and ensure proper input validation is always in place to prevent similar issues in the future.