CVE-2026-48047 in XWiki
Summary
by MITRE • 08/08/2026
XWiki Platform WebJars API is a package for XWiki, a generic wiki platform. Starting with version 9.6-rc-1 and prior to versions 16.10.17, 17.4.9, and 17.10.3, a potential path traversal vulnerability allow an attacker who manages to get a malicious WebJar extension installed on the wiki to write arbitrary files. While the consequences could be severe like overriding configuration files and setting the superadmin password, the attack first requires that the attacker already has admin access to at least a subwiki to be able to install a malicious extension. Further, the attacker needs to publish a malicious extension in an extension repository that is configured in the instance. This vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 16.10.17, 17.4.9, 17.10.3, and 18.0.0RC1. XWiki is not aware of any workarounds except for being careful whom developers grant script and admin rights to.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/08/2026
The vulnerability in XWiki Platform WebJars API represents a path traversal flaw that emerged in versions prior to 16.10.17, 17.4.9, and 17.10.3, specifically affecting the webjars package functionality within the XWiki wiki platform. This security weakness resides in how the system handles file operations when processing WebJar extensions, creating an opportunity for malicious file manipulation through improper path validation mechanisms. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-22 Path Traversal and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059 Command and Scripting Interpreter, as it enables arbitrary code execution through file system manipulation.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires multiple prerequisites that significantly limit its attack surface but do not eliminate the risk entirely. An attacker must first obtain administrative access to at least one subwiki within the XWiki instance, which establishes a baseline level of privilege necessary for installing malicious extensions. The second requirement involves the attacker having control over or access to an extension repository configured within the target XWiki instance, allowing them to publish malicious WebJar packages that can exploit the path traversal flaw during installation processes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple file manipulation to potentially compromise the entire platform security posture. Successful exploitation could enable attackers to overwrite critical configuration files, modify system-level settings, or even set new superadmin passwords, effectively granting complete control over the affected XWiki instance. This represents a severe privilege escalation scenario that could lead to full system compromise, particularly when combined with the attacker's existing administrative access to subwikis.
Security mitigation strategies for this vulnerability focus on proper access control and administrative privileges management as the primary defense mechanism. Organizations should implement strict role-based access controls, limiting script and admin rights to trusted developers only, which serves as the most effective workaround until the patched versions are deployed. The vulnerability has been addressed in XWiki versions 16.10.17, 17.4.9, 17.10.3, and 18.0.0RC1 through proper path validation mechanisms that prevent directory traversal attacks during WebJar extension processing. System administrators should prioritize upgrading to these patched versions while implementing comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized administrative activities and extension installations within their XWiki environments.