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.
EPSS Score:
9%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-2741
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description: The vulnerability in XWiki Platform 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 (RCE) if the victim has the appropriate rights.
Severity Evaluation:
- CVSS Base Score: 9.1
- CVSS Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high CVSS score indicates a critical vulnerability due to the potential for complete system compromise, high confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts, and the requirement for user interaction.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Phishing: An attacker could send a crafted URL to a user with the necessary rights, convincing them to visit the link and click the "Create" button.
- Social Engineering: The attacker could place a fake "create page" button on a page accessible to users with edit rights, tricking them into executing the malicious code.
Exploitation Methods:
- Script Execution: If the victim has script rights, the attacker can execute arbitrary scripts.
- Remote Code Execution (RCE): If the victim has programming rights, the attacker can gain full access to the XWiki instance, potentially leading to data exfiltration, system compromise, or further attacks.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Versions:
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
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade: Upgrade to the patched versions of
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-webandorg.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates. - Manual Patching: Apply the provided patches to existing installations, ensuring the minified JavaScript file is replaced accordingly.
Long-Term Strategies:
- User Education: Train users to recognize and avoid suspicious links and actions.
- Access Control: Limit script and programming rights to trusted users only.
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring and logging to detect and respond to suspicious activities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Potential Impact:
- Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to sensitive information stored in XWiki instances.
- System Compromise: Full control over affected XWiki instances, leading to further attacks within the organization.
- Reputation Damage: Loss of trust and potential legal consequences due to data breaches.
Regulatory Compliance:
- GDPR: Organizations must ensure that personal data is protected, and any breaches are reported within 72 hours.
- NIS Directive: Critical infrastructure providers must implement robust security measures to prevent and mitigate such vulnerabilities.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Exploitation Details:
- URL Structure: The malicious URL follows the pattern
<xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/create/NonExistingSpace/WebHome?title=$services.logging.getLogger(%22foo%22).error(%22Script%20executed!%22). - Execution Flow: The malicious title is not displayed initially but executed when the "Create" button is clicked.
Patch Details:
- Fix Implementation: The patch ensures the title is displayed in the first step, allowing users to notice the attack before proceeding.
- JavaScript Changes: The minified JavaScript file must be obtained from a build of XWiki and replaced accordingly.
References:
Conclusion: This vulnerability highlights the importance of timely patching, user education, and robust access control mechanisms. Organizations using XWiki Platform should prioritize upgrading to the patched versions and implementing the recommended mitigation strategies to protect against potential exploitation.