CVE-2019-19709 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

MediaWiki through version 1.33.1 has a vulnerability that allows attackers to bypass the Title_blacklist protection mechanism by manipulating redirects and using specific parameters in the action API.

Understanding CVE-2019-19709

In versions up to 1.33.1, MediaWiki has a vulnerability that enables attackers to bypass the Title_blacklist protection feature.

What is CVE-2019-19709?

This CVE refers to a security flaw in MediaWiki versions up to 1.33.1 that permits attackers to circumvent the Title_blacklist protection by creating non-resolvable redirects and utilizing specific parameters in the action API.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19709

The vulnerability allows malicious actors to bypass security measures, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other malicious activities on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19709

MediaWiki through 1.33.1 allows attackers to bypass the Title_blacklist protection mechanism by starting with an arbitrary title, establishing a non-resolvable redirect for the associated page, and using redirect=1 in the action API when editing that page.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in MediaWiki versions up to 1.33.1 enables attackers to evade the Title_blacklist protection by manipulating redirects and utilizing specific parameters in the action API.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: Up to 1.33.1
Systems: MediaWiki instances running versions up to 1.33.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by initiating an arbitrary title, creating a redirect that cannot be resolved for the linked page, and using the redirect=1 parameter in the action API while editing the page.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent potential exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MediaWiki to version 1.33.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and review any suspicious activities on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect and respond to unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by MediaWiki promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.