CVE-2021-42049 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2021-42049 affecting MediaWiki Translate extension through version 1.36.2. Discover the impact, technical details, and mitigation steps for this CVE.
An issue was discovered in the Translate extension in MediaWiki through 1.36.2. Oversighters cannot undo revisions or oversight on pages where they suppressed information (such as PII). This allows oversighters to whitewash revisions.
Understanding CVE-2021-42049
The vulnerability in the Translate extension of MediaWiki allows oversighters to manipulate revisions in a way that compromises data integrity.
What is CVE-2021-42049?
The CVE-2021-42049 vulnerability involves the inability of oversighters in MediaWiki to undo revisions or oversight on specific pages, enabling malicious revision manipulation.
The Impact of CVE-2021-42049
This vulnerability permits oversighters to whitewash revisions, potentially compromising the accuracy and completeness of data stored in MediaWiki.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-42049
The technical aspects and implications of the CVE are outlined below:
Vulnerability Description
The Translate extension in MediaWiki prior to version 1.36.2 allows oversighters to tamper with revisions on pages where they had suppressed information, leading to data integrity issues.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Systems: MediaWiki
- Affected Versions: Through 1.36.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability enables oversighters to bypass normal restrictions and manipulate revisions on pages where they had suppressed information, potentially leading to data falsification.
Mitigation and Prevention
Addressing the CVE-2021-42049 vulnerability requires immediate actions and long-term security practices:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade MediaWiki to version 1.36.2 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Implement access controls to restrict oversighter privileges and prevent unauthorized revision changes.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly review and audit revision history to detect any unauthorized changes.
- Provide oversighters with proper training on revision management and data integrity.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches and updates released by MediaWiki promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.