CVE-2021-42045 : What You Need to Know
Discover the CVE-2021-42045 vulnerability in SecurePoll within MediaWiki versions up to 1.36.2. Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation method, and mitigation steps.
An issue was discovered in SecurePoll in the Growth extension in MediaWiki through 1.36.2. Simple polls allow users to create alerts by changing their User-Agent HTTP header and submitting a vote.
Understanding CVE-2021-42045
This CVE relates to a vulnerability found in SecurePoll within MediaWiki that enables users to manipulate their User-Agent HTTP header to generate alerts.
What is CVE-2021-42045?
The CVE-2021-42045 vulnerability is present in SecurePoll, a component of MediaWiki versions up to 1.36.2, that permits the creation of notifications via modifications to the User-Agent HTTP header during voting.
The Impact of CVE-2021-42045
Exploitation of this vulnerability could lead to unauthorized alerts being generated through nefarious manipulation of the User-Agent HTTP header during the voting process on SecurePoll.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-42045
This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2021-42045 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
- Vulnerability Type: User-Agent HTTP Header Manipulation
- Component: SecurePoll in MediaWiki
- Version Affected: MediaWiki through 1.36.2
Affected Systems and Versions
- Systems: MediaWiki instances utilizing SecurePoll
- Versions: MediaWiki up to 1.36.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability allows users to trigger alerts through unauthorized alterations to the User-Agent HTTP header while casting votes in SecurePoll.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from CVE-2021-42045, immediate actions and long-term security practices need to be implemented.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Monitor User-Agent HTTP headers for suspicious activities.
- Implement strict validation mechanisms for voting processes.
- Apply appropriate security headers to prevent header manipulation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regular security assessments and audits.
- Educate users on secure online practices.
- Keep software and extensions up to date.
Patching and Updates
- Patch any vulnerabilities in SecurePoll promptly.
- Stay informed about security patches released by MediaWiki.