CVE-2020-35480 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in MediaWiki before 1.35.1, where handling of missing and hidden user accounts exposes sensitive information to unprivileged viewers.

Understanding CVE-2020-35480

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in MediaWiki that could lead to the exposure of hidden user account information.

What is CVE-2020-35480?

The vulnerability in MediaWiki before version 1.35.1 allows unprivileged viewers to access sensitive information about hidden user accounts.

The Impact of CVE-2020-35480

The vulnerability exposes hidden user account details, potentially compromising user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-35480

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

MediaWiki versions prior to 1.35.1 mishandle hidden and missing user accounts, leading to the disclosure of sensitive information to unauthorized viewers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MediaWiki
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability occurs due to the differential handling of missing and hidden user accounts, allowing unauthorized access to hidden user information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-35480 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade MediaWiki to version 1.35.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor user account activities for any suspicious behavior.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls to restrict sensitive user information access.
Educate users on secure account management practices.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by MediaWiki to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.