CVE-2023-45135
CVE-2023-45135
Weakness (CWE)
CVSS Vector
v3.1- Attack Vector
- Network
- Attack Complexity
- Low
- Privileges Required
- Low
- User Interaction
- Required
- Scope
- Changed
- Confidentiality
- High
- Integrity
- High
- Availability
- High
Description
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. In `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web` versions 7.2-milestone-2 until 14.10.12 and `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates` prior to versions 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1, it is possible to pass a title to the page creation action that isn't displayed at first but then executed in the second step. This can be used by an attacker to trick a victim to execute code, allowing script execution if the victim has script right or remote code execution including full access to the XWiki instance if the victim has programming right. For the attack to work, the attacker needs to convince the victim to visit a link like `<xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/create/NonExistingSpace/WebHome?title=$services.logging.getLogger(%22foo%22).error(%22Script%20executed!%22)` where `<xwiki-host>` is the URL of the Wiki installation and to then click on the "Create" button on that page. The page looks like a regular XWiki page that the victim would also see when clicking the button to create a page that doesn't exist yet, the malicious code is not displayed anywhere on that page. After clicking the "Create" button, the malicious title would be displayed but at this point, the code has already been executed and the attacker could use this code also to hide the attack, e.g., by redirecting the victim again to the same page with an innocent title. It thus seems plausible that this attack could work if the attacker can place a fake "create page" button on a page which is possible with edit right. This has been patched in `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web` version 14.10.12 and `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates` versions 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1 by displaying the title already in the first step such that the victim can notice the attack before continuing. It is possible to manually patch the modified files from the patch in an existing installation. For the JavaScript change, the minified JavaScript file would need to be obtained from a build of XWiki and replaced accordingly.
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of CVE-2023-45135
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
CVE ID: CVE-2023-45135
Description:
The vulnerability affects the XWiki Platform, specifically in the org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web and org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates components. It allows an attacker to pass a malicious title to the page creation action, which is not initially displayed but executed in a subsequent step. This can lead to script execution or remote code execution if the victim has the appropriate rights.
CVSS Score: 9
Severity Evaluation: The CVSS score of 9 indicates a critical vulnerability. This high score is due to the potential for remote code execution, which can grant an attacker full access to the XWiki instance. The vulnerability requires user interaction but can be exploited through social engineering techniques.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Phishing: An attacker can send a crafted URL to a user with script or programming rights, convincing them to visit the link and click the "Create" button.
- Malicious Links: Embedding the malicious link in a legitimate-looking page or email to trick the victim into clicking it.
- Fake "Create Page" Button: If the attacker has edit rights, they can place a fake "create page" button on a legitimate page, leading the victim to the malicious URL.
Exploitation Methods:
- Script Execution: If the victim has script rights, the attacker can execute arbitrary scripts.
- Remote Code Execution: If the victim has programming rights, the attacker can execute arbitrary code, potentially gaining full control over the XWiki instance.
- Hidden Attacks: The attacker can use the executed code to hide the attack by redirecting the victim to a page with an innocent title.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Components:
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-webversions 7.2-milestone-2 until 14.10.12org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templatesprior to versions 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1
Patched Versions:
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-webversion 14.10.12org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templatesversions 14.10.12 and 15.5-rc-1
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
- Update Software: Immediately update to the patched versions of the affected components.
- User Education: Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links and the importance of verifying the authenticity of URLs.
- Access Control: Limit script and programming rights to trusted users only.
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
- Manual Patching: For systems that cannot be updated immediately, manually apply the patch by replacing the modified files from the patch in the existing installation.
5. Impact on Cybersecurity Landscape
Immediate Impact:
- Data Breach: Potential for unauthorized access to sensitive data stored in the XWiki instance.
- System Compromise: Full control over the XWiki instance, leading to further attacks or data exfiltration.
- Reputation Damage: Loss of trust from users and stakeholders if the vulnerability is exploited.
Long-Term Impact:
- Increased Awareness: Heightened awareness of the importance of regular updates and user education.
- Enhanced Security Measures: Organizations may implement stricter access controls and monitoring to prevent similar attacks.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Exploit Details: The vulnerability is exploited by crafting a URL with a malicious title parameter, such as:
<xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/create/NonExistingSpace/WebHome?title=$services.logging.getLogger(%22foo%22).error(%22Script%20executed!%22)
When the victim visits this URL and clicks the "Create" button, the malicious code is executed.
Patch Details: The patch addresses the issue by displaying the title in the first step, allowing the victim to notice the attack before continuing. The minified JavaScript file needs to be obtained from a build of XWiki and replaced accordingly.
References:
Conclusion: CVE-2023-45135 is a critical vulnerability that requires immediate attention. Organizations using the affected versions of XWiki Platform should prioritize updating to the patched versions and implementing additional security measures to mitigate the risk of exploitation. Regular updates, user education, and strict access controls are essential to maintaining a secure environment.