CVE-2024-31982 in xwiki-platform-search-ui
Summary
by MITRE • 04/10/2024
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Starting in version 2.4-milestone-1 and prior to versions 4.10.20, 15.5.4, and 15.10-rc-1, XWiki's database search allows remote code execution through the search text. This allows remote code execution for any visitor of a public wiki or user of a closed wiki as the database search is by default accessible for all users. This impacts the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the whole XWiki installation. This vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 14.10.20, 15.5.4 and 15.10RC1. As a workaround, one may manually apply the patch to the page `Main.DatabaseSearch`. Alternatively, unless database search is explicitly used by users, this page can be deleted as this is not the default search interface of XWiki.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31982 represents a critical remote code execution flaw within the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki platform that serves as a foundation for collaborative documentation and content management systems. This security weakness exists in versions starting from 2.4-milestone-1 through specific patch releases, creating a persistent threat that affects organizations relying on XWiki for their information management infrastructure. The vulnerability specifically targets the database search functionality, which operates as a default accessible component for all users regardless of their authentication status, making it particularly dangerous as it eliminates the need for privileged access to exploit the flaw.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization within the database search component of XWiki Platform. When users submit search queries through the database search interface, the platform fails to properly sanitize the input parameters, allowing maliciously crafted search text to be interpreted as executable code. This represents a classic command injection vulnerability that aligns with CWE-77 and CWE-94 categories, where user-supplied data is directly incorporated into system commands without proper validation. The flaw exists because the search functionality does not properly distinguish between legitimate search parameters and potentially malicious code fragments that could be embedded within the search text.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data compromise to encompass full system compromise, affecting all three pillars of information security: confidentiality, integrity, and availability. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can execute arbitrary code on the affected server with the privileges of the web application process, potentially leading to complete system takeover. This risk applies universally to all XWiki installations, whether publicly accessible or restricted to authenticated users, as the database search functionality remains available to all users by default. The vulnerability's severity is compounded by the fact that it requires no authentication to exploit, making it particularly attractive to threat actors seeking to compromise systems without prior access credentials.
The remediation approach for this vulnerability involves applying patches to specific versions of the XWiki Platform, with official fixes released in versions 14.10.20, 15.5.4, and 15.10RC1. Organizations without immediate access to these patched versions can implement a manual workaround by modifying the page `Main.DatabaseSearch` to remove the vulnerable functionality. Alternatively, administrators can completely delete this page if database search is not actively used by their organization, as it is not the default search interface in XWiki. This mitigation strategy aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter, as it addresses the execution of malicious code through the search interface. The vulnerability's exploitation pathway demonstrates the importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies, as it underscores the critical need for input validation and privilege separation in web applications. Organizations should also consider implementing network-level restrictions and monitoring for unusual search query patterns as additional protective measures against similar vulnerabilities in their infrastructure.