Description
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. In affected versions it's possible for a user to write a script in which any velocity content is executed with the right of any other document content author. Since this API require programming right and the user does not have it, the expected result is `$doc.document.authors.contentAuthor` (not executed script), unfortunately with the security vulnerability it is possible for the attacker to get `XWiki.superadmin` which shows that the title was executed with the right of the unmodified document. This has been patched in XWiki versions 14.10.7 and 15.2RC1. Users are advised to upgrade. There are no known workarounds for this vulnerability.
EPSS Score:
10%
Comprehensive Technical Analysis of EUVD-2023-3029
1. Vulnerability Assessment and Severity Evaluation
Vulnerability Description: The vulnerability in XWiki Platform allows an attacker to execute arbitrary Velocity scripts with the privileges of any document content author, including the superadmin. This occurs because the API intended to return the content author's information instead executes the script with elevated privileges.
Severity Evaluation:
- Base Score: 9.1 (CVSS 3.1)
- Vector String: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:H/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H
The high base score indicates a critical vulnerability. The attack vector is network-based (AV:N), requires low complexity (AC:L), and high privileges (PR:H). The impact on confidentiality, integrity, and availability is high (C:H/I:H/A:H), and the scope change (S:C) indicates that the vulnerability affects components beyond its security scope.
2. Potential Attack Vectors and Exploitation Methods
Attack Vectors:
- Network-Based Attack: An attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network.
- Privilege Escalation: The attacker can escalate privileges by executing scripts with the rights of any document content author, including the superadmin.
Exploitation Methods:
- Script Injection: The attacker injects a malicious Velocity script that gets executed with elevated privileges.
- Privilege Abuse: The attacker abuses the elevated privileges to perform unauthorized actions, such as modifying or deleting content, accessing sensitive information, or executing further malicious activities.
3. Affected Systems and Software Versions
Affected Versions:
- XWiki Platform versions prior to 14.10.7 and 15.2RC1.
Unaffected Versions:
- XWiki Platform versions 14.10.7 and 15.2RC1 and later.
4. Recommended Mitigation Strategies
Immediate Actions:
- Upgrade: Users should upgrade to XWiki Platform versions 14.10.7 or 15.2RC1 to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitoring: Implement monitoring to detect any unusual script execution or privilege escalation attempts.
Long-Term Strategies:
- Regular Updates: Ensure that all software, including XWiki Platform, is regularly updated to the latest versions.
- Access Controls: Implement strict access controls and regularly review user permissions.
- Security Audits: Conduct regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
5. Impact on European Cybersecurity Landscape
Regional Impact:
- Data Breaches: The vulnerability can lead to data breaches, compromising sensitive information stored in XWiki Platform instances.
- Service Disruption: Unauthorized access and modifications can disrupt services, affecting business operations and user trust.
- Compliance Risks: Organizations may face compliance risks if sensitive data is compromised, leading to potential legal and financial repercussions.
Sector-Specific Impact:
- Education and Research: Universities and research institutions using XWiki Platform for collaboration may face data breaches and loss of intellectual property.
- Corporate Sector: Businesses using XWiki for internal documentation and collaboration may experience data leaks and operational disruptions.
6. Technical Details for Security Professionals
Technical Overview:
- Velocity Script Execution: The vulnerability allows the execution of Velocity scripts with elevated privileges, bypassing the intended security checks.
- API Misuse: The API intended to return the content author's information instead executes the script, leading to privilege escalation.
Detection and Response:
- Log Analysis: Analyze logs for unusual script execution or privilege escalation attempts.
- Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implement IDS to detect and alert on suspicious activities related to script execution.
- Incident Response: Develop an incident response plan to quickly identify, contain, and mitigate any exploitation attempts.
References:
- GitHub Security Advisory
- NVD Detail
- XWiki Platform GitHub Repository
- XWiki Jira Issues
- XWiki Jira Issues
By addressing this vulnerability promptly and implementing robust security measures, organizations can mitigate the risks associated with EUVD-2023-3029 and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.