CVE-2022-34911 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2022-34911, a cross-site scripting flaw in MediaWiki 1.35.7, 1.36.x, 1.37.x, and 1.38.x versions, enabling attackers to execute malicious scripts through usernames.
An issue was discovered in MediaWiki before 1.35.7, 1.36.x and 1.37.x before 1.37.3, and 1.38.x before 1.38.1. XSS can occur in configurations that allow a JavaScript payload in a username. After account creation, when it sets the page title to "Welcome" followed by the username, the username is not escaped: SpecialCreateAccount::successfulAction() calls ::showSuccessPage() with a message as the second parameter, and OutputPage::setPageTitle() uses text().
Understanding CVE-2022-34911
MediaWiki versions prior to specified ones are vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue due to improper handling of JavaScript payloads in usernames.
What is CVE-2022-34911?
CVE-2022-34911 is a security vulnerability in MediaWiki that allows for XSS attacks in scenarios where a JavaScript payload is included in a username.
The Impact of CVE-2022-34911
The security flaw could enable malicious actors to execute arbitrary JavaScript code in the context of a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-34911
In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The issue arises from the failure to properly escape usernames containing JavaScript payloads, opening the door to XSS exploits during account creation.
Affected Systems and Versions
MediaWiki versions preceding 1.35.7, 1.36.x, 1.37.x, and 1.38.x are impacted by this vulnerability.
Exploitation Mechanism
By inserting a crafted username with JavaScript code, an attacker can execute malicious scripts when the page title is set to "Welcome" followed by the user's username.
Mitigation and Prevention
To safeguard systems from CVE-2022-34911, immediate actions and long-term security practices are crucial.
Immediate Steps to Take
Users are advised to upgrade MediaWiki to versions 1.35.7, 1.36.x, 1.37.3, or 1.38.1 to mitigate the XSS risk posed by this vulnerability.
Long-Term Security Practices
Implement strict input sanitization techniques, validate and escape user-generated content, and stay updated on security patches and advisories.
Patching and Updates
Regularly check for security updates from MediaWiki and apply patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities.