CVE-2022-28202 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the XSS issue in MediaWiki versions before 1.35.6, 1.36.4, and 1.37.2. Learn about the impact, affected systems, exploitation risk, and mitigation steps for CVE-2022-28202.
An XSS issue was discovered in MediaWiki before 1.35.6, 1.36.x before 1.36.4, and 1.37.x before 1.37.2. The widthheight, widthheightpage, and nbytes properties of messages are not escaped when used in galleries or Special:RevisionDelete.
Understanding CVE-2022-28202
This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2022-28202 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2022-28202?
CVE-2022-28202 is a cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability found in MediaWiki versions specified. It arises due to the lack of proper escape mechanisms for specific message properties.
The Impact of CVE-2022-28202
Exploitation of this XSS vulnerability can lead to unauthorized script execution in the context of a user's browser, posing a risk of sensitive data theft, session hijacking, and other malicious activities.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-28202
In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts into gallery views or Special:RevisionDelete pages, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.
Affected Systems and Versions
MediaWiki instances running versions earlier than 1.35.6, 1.36.4, and 1.37.2 are susceptible to CVE-2022-28202.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit the lack of proper escaping in message properties like widthheight, widthheightpage, and nbytes to insert and execute harmful scripts.
Mitigation and Prevention
This section outlines strategies to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-28202.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to update their MediaWiki installations to versions 1.35.6, 1.36.4, or 1.37.2 to address the XSS vulnerability and prevent potential exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implementing strict input validation, output encoding, and security headers can enhance the overall security posture of web applications like MediaWiki.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates and apply patches promptly to safeguard systems against known vulnerabilities.