CVE-2021-45472 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE involves a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in MediaWiki through version 1.37, affecting Wikibase due to URL format issues and the risk of using javascript: URL schemes.

Understanding CVE-2021-45472

This CVE identifies a security issue that could lead to XSS attacks in MediaWiki instances using Wikibase.

What is CVE-2021-45472?

The CVE-2021-45472 vulnerability specifically allows for XSS attacks in MediaWiki versions up to 1.37 when dealing with URL formatting in Wikibase, potentially enabling malicious script execution.

The Impact of CVE-2021-45472

If exploited, this vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary JavaScript code on the user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-45472

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability arises in Wikibase due to the inclusion of a $1 formatter substitution marker in the URL format, which could facilitate the use of dangerous URL schemes like javascript:.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: N/A

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is exploited by crafting a malicious URL within the external identifier property, utilizing the $1 formatter substitution marker to potentially execute JavaScript code.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate and long-term security measures to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-45472.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MediaWiki to version 1.38 or newer to address the vulnerability.
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) headers to restrict the execution of scripts to trusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit URL-related functionalities for potential security vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for MediaWiki and promptly apply patches to stay protected against known vulnerabilities.