CVE-2021-30155 : What You Need to Know

This article provides details about CVE-2021-30155, an issue discovered in MediaWiki versions before 1.31.12 and 1.32.x through 1.35.x before 1.35.2. The vulnerability allows unauthorized users to manipulate content model settings without proper permissions.

Understanding CVE-2021-30155

In this section, we will delve into the specifics of the CVE-2021-30155 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2021-30155?

CVE-2021-30155 is a security flaw found in MediaWiki software, enabling users to create and modify content model settings on non-existent pages unchecked for necessary permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2021-30155

This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate content model settings on non-existent pages, potentially leading to unauthorized data modifications and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-30155

Let's explore the technical aspects of CVE-2021-30155.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from ContentModelChange not verifying user permissions when creating or setting content model on non-existent pages, allowing unauthorized access and potential data manipulation.

Affected Systems and Versions

MediaWiki versions prior to 1.31.12 and 1.32.x through 1.35.x before 1.35.2 are impacted by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthorized users can exploit this flaw to bypass permission checks and alter content model settings on non-existent pages, leading to potential security risks.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-30155.

Immediate Steps to Take

It is crucial to update MediaWiki to versions 1.31.12, 1.35.2, or later to mitigate this vulnerability. Review and adjust user permissions to prevent unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Ensure regular security audits, maintain up-to-date software versions, and enforce strict access controls to prevent similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for MediaWiki and promptly apply patches to address known vulnerabilities.