CVE-2019-12473 : Security Advisory and Response

Wikimedia MediaWiki versions 1.27.0 through 1.32.1 are susceptible to a Denial of Service (DoS) vulnerability when invalid titles are passed to the API. This issue has been resolved in versions 1.32.2, 1.31.2, 1.30.2, and 1.27.6.

Understanding CVE-2019-12473

This CVE entry highlights a DoS vulnerability in Wikimedia MediaWiki versions 1.27.0 through 1.32.1.

What is CVE-2019-12473?

The vulnerability in CVE-2019-12473 allows for a DoS attack by querying the entire watchlist table when invalid titles are provided to the API.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12473

The vulnerability could lead to a DoS condition, impacting the availability of the affected MediaWiki versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12473

CVE-2019-12473 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

Passing invalid titles to the API in Wikimedia MediaWiki versions 1.27.0 through 1.32.1 could trigger a DoS by querying the complete watchlist table.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions: 1.27.0 through 1.32.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves providing invalid titles to the API, causing it to query the entire watchlist table.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12473, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade affected MediaWiki instances to versions 1.32.2, 1.31.2, 1.30.2, or 1.27.6 to eliminate the DoS vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent the passing of invalid data to APIs.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by Wikimedia for MediaWiki to ensure protection against known vulnerabilities.