CVE-2022-21710 : What You Need to Know

ShortDescription is a MediaWiki extension by StarCitizenTools vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. This article provides insights into CVE-2022-21710 detailing the vulnerability, impact, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2022-21710

This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2022-21710 vulnerability in the ShortDescription extension.

What is CVE-2022-21710?

ShortDescription, a MediaWiki extension by StarCitizenTools, before version 2.3.4 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack. This allows malicious actors to trigger XSS on wiki pages using a specific wikitext.

The Impact of CVE-2022-21710

The vulnerability in ShortDescription extension could be exploited to execute malicious scripts on wiki pages, posing a risk of unauthorized access or data manipulation.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-21710

This section provides technical insights into the CVE-2022-21710 vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS vulnerability in ShortDescription extension allows attackers to execute malicious scripts by exploiting the SHORTDESC property, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on affected wiki pages.

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions of the ShortDescription extension prior to 2.3.4 are affected by CVE-2022-21710, making them susceptible to XSS attacks.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by inserting specific wikitext, such as

{{SHORTDESC:<img src=x onerror=alert()>}}

, on wiki pages to trigger XSS.

Mitigation and Prevention

In response to CVE-2022-21710, users and administrators are advised to implement immediate steps, adopt long-term security practices, and apply necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should upgrade to version 2.3.4 of the ShortDescription extension to mitigate the XSS vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

It is recommended to validate user input, sanitize content, and regularly review and update extensions to enhance the security of MediaWiki installations.

Patching and Updates

StarCitizenTools has released version 2.3.4 with a patch addressing the XSS vulnerability. Users are encouraged to promptly update their installations to the latest version.