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XWiki - CVE-2024-37900: XSS through attachment filename in uploader

 

CVE-2024-37900: XSS through Attachment Filename in XWiki Uploader
In the world of cybersecurity, finding vulnerabilities isn't just about identifying problems — it's about making systems safer for everyone. Recently, I discovered a Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerability in XWiki, an open-source wiki platform. This post explains CVE-2024-37900, how it works, its implications, and the importance of contributing to open-source communities.

What is XWiki?

XWiki is a free and open-source wiki software platform written in Java, designed for extensibility and enterprise use. It features WYSIWYG editing, document import/export, annotations, tagging, and advanced permissions management. XWiki supports storing structured data and executing server-side scripts in languages like Velocity, Apache Groovy, Python, Ruby, and PHP within wiki pages. Users can define custom data structures, attach them to documents, and query them using XWiki's query language. Its robust extension ecosystem includes various bundled extensions. XWiki uses the XWiki Rendering Engine to parse multiple wiki syntaxes, and pages are typically written with a WYSIWYG editor and rendered using XWiki's syntax.

The Vulnerability: CVE-2024-37900

The identified vulnerability, CVE-2024-37900, is a reflected XSS flaw that occurs when uploading an attachment with a malicious filename. This specific XSS vulnerability is reflected, meaning the malicious script is executed in the user's browser immediately upon upload, rather than being stored on the server.

How It Works

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how this vulnerability can be triggered:

1. Login and Navigation: First, the attacker logs in to an XWiki instance and navigates to the attachments section at /bin/view/Main/#Attachments, then clicks the Browse button.


2. Uploading the Malicious File: The attacker uploads a file with a specially crafted filename designed to inject malicious JavaScript code. For example, a filename like
"><img src=x onerror='alert(1)'>.txt is used.


3. Triggering the XSS: Once uploaded, the malicious code is executed in the user's browser immediately upon handling the file name, specifically affecting the user performing the upload. The script can perform actions as that user, potentially compromising sensitive data or further exploiting the system.


Implications

Although exploiting this vulnerability requires social engineering, the potential impact is significant:

  • User Impersonation: The attacker can perform actions on behalf of the user, potentially gaining unauthorized access to data or functionality.
  • Data Theft: Sensitive information could be stolen if the attacker can manipulate the system to access restricted areas.
  • System Exploitation: Further vulnerabilities could be exploited once initial access is gained, leading to a broader compromise.

Mitigation and Patching

Fortunately, this vulnerability has been patched in the following XWiki versions:

  • 14.10.21
  • 15.5.5
  • 15.10.6
  • 16.0.0

Users are strongly encouraged to update to these versions to protect against this XSS vulnerability. Keeping software up to date is essential for maintaining security.

Contributing to Open Source: A Small Step, Big Impact

Contributing to open-source projects is vital for the security and evolution of software like XWiki. Even small contributions, such as reporting bugs, improving documentation, or fixing minor issues, can make a significant difference. By participating in open-source communities, you help create better, more secure software for everyone.

Conclusion

The discovery of CVE-2024-37900 in XWiki highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive security measures in software development. It also serves as a reminder of the critical role that open-source contributions play in maintaining and improving the technology we rely on.

By contributing to open-source projects, we not only enhance the security and functionality of these tools but also participate in a global community dedicated to innovation and collaboration. Whether you're a seasoned developer or just starting, there's a place for you in the open-source world.

Together, we can build a more secure, transparent, and innovative future. Let's continue to contribute, collaborate, and create software that benefits everyone. Thank you for reading, and I hope this inspires you to get involved in the open-source community.

References
  • https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-wf3x-jccf-5g5g
  • https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvename.cgi?name=CVE-2024-37900
  • https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2024-37900

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