CVE-2020-10959 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

MediaWiki before version 1.35 is vulnerable to a security issue that allows remote attackers to force a logout and external redirection through HTML content in a MediaWiki page.

Understanding CVE-2020-10959

This CVE entry describes a vulnerability in MediaWiki that could be exploited by malicious actors to perform unauthorized actions on affected systems.

What is CVE-2020-10959?

This CVE refers to a flaw in MediaWiki versions prior to 1.35 that enables attackers to trigger a logout and redirect users to external sites using specially crafted HTML content.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10959

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized logouts and redirections, potentially exposing users to phishing attacks or unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10959

MediaWiki's vulnerability can be further understood through technical details.

Vulnerability Description

The issue resides in resources/src/mediawiki.page.ready/ready.js in MediaWiki versions before 1.35, allowing attackers to manipulate HTML content to force logouts and redirect users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MediaWiki
Vendor: N/A
Versions: All versions before 1.35

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious HTML content into a MediaWiki page, triggering unauthorized logouts and redirections.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-10959 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MediaWiki to version 1.35 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor user sessions for unexpected logouts or redirections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update security configurations for MediaWiki installations.
Educate users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities on MediaWiki pages.
Implement content security policies to prevent unauthorized script execution.
Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

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