CVE-2020-35479 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2020-35479, a vulnerability in MediaWiki before 1.35.1 allowing XSS attacks via BlockLogFormatter.php. Find out how to mitigate the risk and secure affected systems.
MediaWiki before 1.35.1 is vulnerable to XSS attacks via BlockLogFormatter.php. This CVE affects versions 1.12.0 and later.
Understanding CVE-2020-35479
MediaWiki before 1.35.1 allows XSS attacks through BlockLogFormatter.php, impacting versions 1.12.0 and later.
What is CVE-2020-35479?
CVE-2020-35479 is a vulnerability in MediaWiki versions before 1.35.1 that enables cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks via BlockLogFormatter.php. The issue arises from inadequate HTML escaping in certain code paths.
The Impact of CVE-2020-35479
The vulnerability allows malicious actors to execute XSS attacks, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, and other security breaches within affected MediaWiki instances.
Technical Details of CVE-2020-35479
MediaWiki before 1.35.1 is susceptible to XSS attacks due to inadequate HTML escaping in BlockLogFormatter.php.
Vulnerability Description
The XSS vulnerability in MediaWiki allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by users, compromising the security and integrity of the affected systems.
Affected Systems and Versions
- MediaWiki versions 1.12.0 and later are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts via BlockLogFormatter.php, taking advantage of the lack of proper HTML escaping.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2020-35479 and enhance security:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update MediaWiki to version 1.35.1 or later to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
- Regularly monitor and audit web content for any suspicious or unauthorized scripts.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure coding practices to ensure proper input validation and output encoding.
- Educate developers and administrators on the risks of XSS attacks and the importance of secure coding practices.
Patching and Updates
- Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches and updates released by MediaWiki to address known vulnerabilities.