CVE-2017-0367 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

CVE-2017-0367, related to Mediawiki, highlights a vulnerability where the LocalisationCache directory defaults to the system's temporary directory, posing a security risk.

Understanding CVE-2017-0367

This CVE involves an unsafe use of the system temporary directory in Mediawiki versions prior to 1.28.1/1.27.2.

What is CVE-2017-0367?

Versions of Mediawiki before 1.28.1/1.27.2 have a vulnerability due to the LocalisationCache directory being set to the system's default temporary directory, creating a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2017-0367

The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit the system's temporary directory, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-0367

CVE-2017-0367 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

Mediawiki versions prior to 1.28.1/1.27.2 have an insecure configuration where the LocalisationCache directory defaults to the system's temporary directory.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Mediawiki
Vendor: Mediawiki
Versions Affected: Prior to 1.28.1/1.27.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the LocalisationCache directory, potentially gaining unauthorized access to the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-0367, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mediawiki to version 1.28.1/1.27.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Ensure the LocalisationCache directory is not set to the system's default temporary directory.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update the configuration settings of Mediawiki to enhance security.
Implement access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Mediawiki to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2017-0367.