CVE-2024-31985 in xwiki-platform-scheduler-ui
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2024
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Starting in version 3.1 and prior to versions 4.10.20, 15.5.4, and 15.10-rc-1, it is possible to schedule/trigger/unschedule existing jobs by having an admin visit the Job Scheduler page through a predictable URL, for example by embedding such an URL in any content as an image. The vulnerability has been fixed in XWiki 14.10.19, 15.5.5, and 15.9. As a workaround, manually apply the patch by modifying the `Scheduler.WebHome` page.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/07/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-31985 affects the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki platform that serves as a collaborative document management system. This security flaw exists in versions 3.1 through 15.9, specifically before the releases of 4.10.20, 15.5.4, and 15.10-rc-1, creating a significant risk for organizations relying on XWiki for content management and collaboration. The vulnerability stems from inadequate access controls on the Job Scheduler page, which allows authenticated administrators to manipulate scheduled jobs through predictable URLs that can be embedded within content.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the predictable nature of URLs used to manage job scheduling within the XWiki platform. Attackers can exploit this by embedding malicious URLs as images or other content elements that, when visited by an administrator, trigger job scheduling, triggering, or unscheduling operations. This represents a privilege escalation vulnerability where an attacker with access to create or modify content can potentially manipulate the system's job execution processes. The vulnerability is classified as a weakness in authorization mechanisms, aligning with CWE-285 which addresses improper authorization in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple job manipulation as it could enable attackers to disrupt system operations, potentially causing denial of service conditions or unauthorized execution of processes. When an administrator visits content containing the malicious URL, the system processes the job scheduling commands without proper verification of the request source or intent, creating opportunities for attackers to schedule malicious jobs, cancel critical system jobs, or manipulate scheduled maintenance operations. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that allow untrusted users to contribute content to their XWiki instances, as the attack vector requires only content creation privileges rather than direct administrative access.
The security implications of CVE-2024-31985 align with ATT&CK techniques related to privilege escalation and execution of malicious code through legitimate system processes. The vulnerability demonstrates how predictable URL patterns and insufficient access controls can create attack vectors that bypass normal security boundaries within web applications. Organizations using XWiki platforms should prioritize patching to versions 14.10.19, 15.5.5, and 15.9 or later, as these releases contain the necessary fixes to address the authorization flaw. The recommended workaround of manually modifying the Scheduler.WebHome page provides an interim solution for organizations unable to immediately apply the official patches, though this approach requires careful implementation to avoid introducing additional system instability or security gaps.
The vulnerability highlights the importance of implementing proper access controls and input validation in web applications, particularly for administrative functions that can affect system operations. Organizations should conduct thorough security assessments of their XWiki installations to identify potential exposure and implement additional monitoring for suspicious job scheduling activities. The fix implemented in the patched versions addresses the core authorization issue by ensuring that job scheduling operations require proper authentication and authorization checks, preventing unauthorized manipulation of scheduled processes through embedded URLs. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of access control mechanisms in collaborative platforms where multiple user roles exist and where administrative functions can be triggered through seemingly innocuous content elements.