CVE-2023-26056 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a security vulnerability identified in the XWiki Platform, allowing macro execution as any user without programming rights through the context macro.

Understanding CVE-2023-26056

This section delves into the details of CVE-2023-26056, shedding light on the vulnerability, its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2023-26056?

The CVE-2023-26056 vulnerability is associated with the XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform. In versions starting from 3.0-milestone-1, unauthorized users can execute a script with the privileges of another user, as long as the target user lacks programming rights. This security flaw poses a risk to the integrity and confidentiality of the platform.

The Impact of CVE-2023-26056

The impact of CVE-2023-26056 is rated as medium severity with a base score of 5.4. The vulnerability's exploitation does not require high privileges, potentially leading to unauthorized execution of macros and scripts within the platform. This can compromise the data integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-26056

In this section, we delve deeper into the technical aspects of CVE-2023-26056, including vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in XWiki Platform allows unauthorized users to execute macros as any user without programming rights through the context macro. This can lead to unauthorized script execution and potential data breaches.

Affected Systems and Versions

The following versions of XWiki Platform are affected by CVE-2023-26056:

Version >= 3.0-milestone-1, < 13.10.10
Version >= 14.0-rc-1, < 14.4.5
Version >= 14.5, < 14.8-rc-1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthorized users to execute macros and scripts with the privileges of another user. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data and potential manipulation of the platform.

Mitigation and Prevention

In this segment, we explore the steps to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-26056, safeguarding affected systems from potential security risks.

Immediate Steps to Take

To address CVE-2023-26056, it is crucial to apply the security patches provided by XWiki in versions 14.8-rc-1, 14.4.5, and 13.10.10. Additionally, users should restrict macro execution permissions to authorized individuals only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing a robust access control mechanism and regularly monitoring and updating the XWiki Platform can enhance long-term security posture. Conducting security audits and educating users on safe macro execution practices are also recommended.

Patching and Updates

Regularly updating the XWiki Platform to the latest secure versions and promptly applying security patches can help mitigate potential vulnerabilities like CVE-2023-26056. Stay informed about security advisories and take proactive measures to protect your systems.