Description
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web` starting in version 3.1-milestone-1 and prior to 13.4-rc-1, `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates` prior to versions 14.10.2 and 15.5-rc-1, and `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-web-standard` starting in version 2.4-milestone-2 and prior to version 3.1-milestone-1 are vulnerable to cross-site scripting. An attacker can create a template provider on any document that is part of the wiki (could be the attacker's user profile) that contains malicious code. This code is executed when this template provider is selected during document creation which can be triggered by sending the user to a URL. For the attacker, the only requirement is to have an account as by default the own user profile is editable. This allows an attacker to execute arbitrary actions with the rights of the user opening the malicious link. Depending on the rights of the user, this may allow remote code execution and full read and write access to the whole XWiki installation. This has been patched in `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web` 13.4-rc-1, `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates` 14.10.2 and 15.5-rc-1, and `org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-web-standard` 3.1-milestone-1 by adding the appropriate escaping. The vulnerable template file createinline.vm is part of XWiki's WAR and can be patched by manually applying the changes from the fix.
EPSS Score:
15%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-2742
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Overview:
The vulnerability in question affects the XWiki Platform, specifically in the org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web, org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates, and org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-web-standard components. The issue is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious code into a template provider, which is executed when a user selects this template during document creation.
Severity Evaluation:
The vulnerability has a CVSS Base Score of 9.1, which is considered critical. The CVSS vector CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:R/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H indicates the following:
- Attack Vector (AV): Network (N)
- Attack Complexity (AC): Low (L)
- Privileges Required (PR): Low (L)
- User Interaction (UI): Required (R)
- Scope (S): Changed (C)
- Confidentiality (C): High (H)
- Integrity (I): High (H)
- Availability (A): High (H)
This high severity score underscores the potential for significant impact, including remote code execution and full read and write access to the XWiki installation.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- User Profile Editing: An attacker with a user account can edit their profile to include a malicious template provider.
- URL Manipulation: The attacker can send a crafted URL to a user, which, when clicked, triggers the execution of the malicious code.
Exploitation Methods:
- Template Injection: The attacker injects malicious JavaScript or other code into a template provider.
- Social Engineering: The attacker uses phishing or other social engineering techniques to trick users into clicking the malicious URL.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Components:
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-webversions 3.1-milestone-1 to 13.4-rc-1org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templatesversions prior to 14.10.2 and 15.5-rc-1org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-web-standardversions 2.4-milestone-2 to 3.1-milestone-1
Patched Versions:
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web13.4-rc-1org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-web-templates14.10.2 and 15.5-rc-1org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-web-standard3.1-milestone-1
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Update Software: Upgrade to the patched versions of the affected components.
- Manual Patching: If upgrading is not immediately possible, manually apply the changes from the fix to the vulnerable template file
createinline.vm.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Patching: Implement a regular patching and update schedule for all software components.
- User Education: Train users to recognize and avoid phishing attempts and suspicious links.
- Access Control: Limit user permissions to edit profiles and create templates to minimize the attack surface.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regulatory Compliance: Organizations using XWiki Platform must ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR, which mandates the protection of personal data. Failure to address this vulnerability could result in data breaches and regulatory penalties.
Critical Infrastructure: For organizations in critical sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government, this vulnerability poses a significant risk. Unauthorized access and data manipulation could lead to severe operational disruptions and loss of trust.
Public Sector: Governmental and public sector organizations using XWiki for documentation and collaboration must prioritize patching to prevent potential breaches that could compromise sensitive information.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Vulnerable File:
The vulnerability resides in the createinline.vm template file, which is part of XWiki's WAR (Web Application Archive).
Fix Details:
The fix involves adding appropriate escaping to the template file to prevent the execution of malicious code. The specific commit ba56fda175156dd35035f2b8c86cbd8ef1f90c2e on GitHub provides the necessary changes.
References:
- GitHub Advisory: GHSA-gr82-8fj2-ggc3
- NVD Entry: CVE-2023-45134
- XWiki Jira Issue: XWIKI-20962
Conclusion: This vulnerability highlights the importance of regular security assessments and prompt patching. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing such critical issues to maintain the integrity and security of their systems.