CVE-2020-26121 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the security flaw in the FileImporter extension for MediaWiki before 1.34.4, allowing attackers to bypass page creation restrictions and force unauthorized page creation.
An issue was discovered in the FileImporter extension for MediaWiki before 1.34.4. This vulnerability allows an attacker to import a file even when the target page is protected against 'page creation,' potentially leading to unauthorized page creation.
Understanding CVE-2020-26121
This CVE identifies a security flaw in the FileImporter extension for MediaWiki, enabling attackers to bypass page creation restrictions.
What is CVE-2020-26121?
The vulnerability in the FileImporter extension for MediaWiki allows attackers to import files despite protection against page creation, leading to unauthorized page creation due to mishandled upload and create restrictions.
The Impact of CVE-2020-26121
The vulnerability does not allow attackers to overwrite content but can force the creation of a page with a disallowed title, potentially disrupting the wiki's integrity.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-26121
This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw in the FileImporter extension for MediaWiki allows attackers to import files even when the target page is protected against page creation, exploiting a misinterpretation of upload and create restrictions.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: FileImporter extension for MediaWiki
- Versions affected: Before 1.34.4
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can leverage the mishandled upload and create restrictions to force the creation of a page with a disallowed title, circumventing page creation protection.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protect systems from CVE-2020-26121 with the following measures:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update MediaWiki to version 1.34.4 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor file imports and page creations for any suspicious activities.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and update access controls and restrictions on file imports.
- Conduct security training to educate users on safe file handling practices.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by MediaWiki promptly to address security vulnerabilities.