CVE-2020-10960 : What You Need to Know

MediaWiki before version 1.34.1 allows users to add Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) classes to arbitrary DOM nodes via HTML content, potentially affecting the displayed content. This vulnerability arises from the application of an event handler to any CSS selector.

Understanding CVE-2020-10960

In MediaWiki versions prior to 1.34.1, a security flaw exists that enables users to manipulate CSS classes within the user interface, impacting the visibility of content.

What is CVE-2020-10960?

This CVE describes a vulnerability in MediaWiki that permits users to insert CSS classes through HTML content, affecting the display of content on the interface. The issue stems from the jquery.makeCollapsible feature, allowing the addition of event handlers to CSS selectors.

The Impact of CVE-2020-10960

The vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized manipulation of content visibility within MediaWiki, impacting the user experience and potentially compromising the integrity of displayed information.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-10960

MediaWiki's vulnerability allows for the unauthorized addition of CSS classes to DOM nodes, affecting content visibility.

Vulnerability Description

Users can inject CSS classes into arbitrary DOM nodes through HTML content, influencing the display of content within the MediaWiki interface.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: MediaWiki before version 1.34.1
Affected Versions: All versions before 1.34.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability arises from the jquery.makeCollapsible feature, enabling the application of event handlers to CSS selectors, allowing users to manipulate content visibility.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-10960, immediate steps and long-term security practices are recommended.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade MediaWiki to version 1.34.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and review CSS classes added to DOM nodes for any unauthorized changes.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation to prevent unauthorized CSS class additions.
Conduct regular security audits to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

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