CVE-2026-102796 in MediaWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 09/29/2026
Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command ('SQL Injection') vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation Mediawiki - UserPageViewTracker Extension allows SQL Injection.
This issue affects Mediawiki - UserPageViewTracker Extension: from * before 1.46.1, 1.45.5, 1.43.10.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/29/2026
The vulnerability identified as Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an SQL Command represents a critical security flaw within the UserPageViewTracker extension for Wikimedia Foundation MediaWiki software. This specific class of weakness, commonly categorized under CWE-89: SQL Injection, arises when an application fails to properly sanitize or validate user-supplied input before incorporating it into database queries executed by the backend system. In this instance, the vulnerability exists in how the UserPageViewTracker extension processes data related to page view tracking for users. The extension is designed to monitor and record which pages are viewed by specific users, a feature often utilized for analytics or administrative oversight within wiki environments. However, the implementation contains insufficient validation mechanisms that allow an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into these tracked parameters.
The technical root cause lies in the failure of the application logic to distinguish between executable SQL commands and legitimate data inputs. When a user interacts with features governed by this extension, such as viewing their own page history or triggering tracking events, specific identifiers are passed to the database layer. If these identifiers contain special characters like single quotes, semicolons, or comment markers without proper escaping or parameterization, they can alter the structure of the underlying SQL query. This allows an attacker to manipulate the query's intent, potentially bypassing authentication controls, retrieving sensitive data from other tables, modifying existing records, or even executing administrative operations on the database server depending on the privileges granted to the web application's database user account.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe due to its potential for unauthorized access and data exfiltration. An attacker could exploit this flaw to extract confidential information stored in the MediaWiki database, such as user credentials, session tokens, or private wiki content that should not be publicly accessible. Furthermore, depending on the configuration of the underlying Database Management System (DBMS), advanced exploitation techniques might allow for remote code execution if specific features like xp_cmdshell are enabled and accessible via SQL injection vectors. This compromises the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of the entire MediaWiki installation, potentially leading to defacement or complete system compromise if not addressed promptly.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability aligns with MITRE ATT&CK techniques related to Collection and Exfiltration over Application Protocol, specifically leveraging SQL injection as an initial access vector for deeper penetration into the infrastructure. It also reflects common weaknesses in input validation practices that persist despite decades of awareness regarding secure coding standards. The flaw is present in versions of the UserPageViewTracker extension prior to 1.46.1, 1.45.5, and 1.43.10, indicating a systemic issue across multiple supported branches where legacy code paths were not adequately hardened against injection attacks.
To mitigate this risk, immediate action is required by upgrading the UserPageViewTracker extension to version 1.46.1 or later for the 1.46 branch, 1.45.5 for the 1.45 branch, and 1.43.10 for the 1.43 branch. These updates contain patches that implement proper input sanitization and utilize prepared statements to ensure that user-supplied data is treated strictly as data rather than executable code. Additionally, administrators should enforce strict database permissions following the principle of least privilege, ensuring that the web application's database account does not have excessive rights such as file system access or administrative privileges. Regular security audits and static analysis tools can further help identify similar vulnerabilities in custom extensions to prevent future occurrences of SQL injection flaws within the MediaWiki ecosystem.