CVE-2023-48293 in Admin Tools Application
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2023
The XWiki Admin Tools Application provides tools to help the administration of XWiki. Prior to version 4.5.1, a cross-site request forgery vulnerability in the query on XWiki tool allows executing arbitrary database queries on the database of the XWiki installation. Among other things, this allows modifying and deleting all data of the wiki. This could be both used to damage the wiki and to create an account with elevated privileges for the attacker, thus impacting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the whole XWiki instance. A possible attack vector are comments on the wiki, by embedding an image with wiki syntax like `[[image:path:/xwiki/bin/view/Admin/QueryOnXWiki?query=DELETE%20FROM%20xwikidoc]]`, all documents would be deleted from the database when an admin user views this comment. This has been patched in Admin Tools Application 4.5.1 by adding form token checks. Some workarounds are available. The patch can also be applied manually to the affected pages. Alternatively, if the query tool is not needed, by deleting the document `Admin.SQLToolsGroovy`, all database query tools can be deactivated.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/20/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2023-48293 represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within the XWiki Admin Tools Application that affects versions prior to 4.5.1. This weakness stems from insufficient validation of user requests, specifically within the Query on XWiki functionality that enables administrative database operations. The vulnerability operates through a classic csrf attack pattern where an attacker can manipulate a victim's browser to execute unauthorized database commands without their knowledge or consent. The flaw exists in the application's failure to implement proper form token validation mechanisms, which are essential for ensuring that requests originate from legitimate administrative interfaces rather than maliciously crafted web content.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a severe impact on the core security triad of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Attackers can leverage this flaw to execute arbitrary database queries against the XWiki installation's backend database system, potentially leading to complete data destruction or unauthorized modifications. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it allows attackers to perform destructive operations such as deleting entire document collections from the database using simple wiki syntax injection techniques. The attack vector described in the vulnerability report involves embedding malicious image references within wiki comments that contain database commands, making the exploitation particularly insidious as it can occur through seemingly benign user interactions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data loss to encompass complete system compromise and potential privilege escalation. When an administrator views a malicious comment containing the crafted query syntax, the database commands execute automatically against the administrator's authenticated session, bypassing normal access controls. This scenario creates a significant risk for organizations relying on XWiki for content management, as the vulnerability allows attackers to establish persistent access through elevated privilege account creation while simultaneously destroying valuable data. The attack method demonstrates how a single unvalidated input field can provide an attacker with broad administrative capabilities across the entire XWiki instance.
The remediation approach implemented in version 4.5.1 addresses the core issue through the introduction of form token validation checks that ensure all administrative requests originate from legitimate application interfaces rather than external sources. This solution aligns with established security practices for preventing csrf attacks and corresponds to the CWE-352 vulnerability classification that specifically addresses cross-site request forgery weaknesses. Organizations can also implement several workarounds to mitigate the risk before upgrading to the patched version, including manual patch application to affected pages or complete removal of the SQLToolsGroovy document that disables all database query functionality. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under privilege escalation and data destruction techniques, with the exploitation pattern resembling T1078 for valid accounts and T1485 for data destruction, making it a particularly concerning threat vector for collaborative content management systems.