CVE-2020-15005 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2020-15005 affecting MediaWiki versions before 1.31.8, 1.32.x, 1.33.x, and 1.34.x. Find out how mishandled headers could expose private wiki files to unauthorized access.
In MediaWiki before 1.31.8, 1.32.x and 1.33.x before 1.33.4, and 1.34.x before 1.34.2, private wikis behind a caching server using the img_auth.php image authorization security feature may have had their files cached publicly, allowing unauthorized access due to mishandled Cache-Control and Vary headers.
Understanding CVE-2020-15005
This CVE identifies a security vulnerability in MediaWiki versions prior to specified releases that could lead to unauthorized access to private wiki files.
What is CVE-2020-15005?
The vulnerability in MediaWiki versions before 1.31.8, 1.32.x, 1.33.x, and 1.34.x could result in private wiki files being cached publicly, enabling unauthorized users to view them.
The Impact of CVE-2020-15005
The mishandling of Cache-Control and Vary headers in affected MediaWiki versions could compromise the confidentiality of private wiki content, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized individuals.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-15005
This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from private wikis behind caching servers using the img_auth.php feature, where files could be cached publicly due to mishandled headers.
Affected Systems and Versions
- MediaWiki versions before 1.31.8
- MediaWiki 1.32.x and 1.33.x before 1.33.4
- MediaWiki 1.34.x before 1.34.2
Exploitation Mechanism
Unauthorized users could exploit this vulnerability by accessing cached private wiki files through mishandled Cache-Control and Vary headers.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect your systems from CVE-2020-15005 with these mitigation strategies.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade MediaWiki to versions 1.31.8, 1.33.4, or 1.34.2 to address the vulnerability.
- Review and adjust caching server configurations to prevent unauthorized access to private wiki files.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and audit caching mechanisms to ensure proper handling of sensitive data.
- Educate users on secure file access practices to prevent unauthorized viewing of private content.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security updates and patches released by MediaWiki to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2020-15005.