CVE-2023-27479 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

This CVE record pertains to an improper neutralization of directives in dynamically evaluated code in the org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-panels-ui container, with a critical base severity score of 10.

Understanding CVE-2023-27479

The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-27479 exists in the XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform that provides runtime services for applications. This specific vulnerability allows any user with view rights to execute arbitrary Groovy, Python, or Velocity code in XWiki, ultimately granting full access to the XWiki installation.

What is CVE-2023-27479?

The root cause of CVE-2023-27479 is attributed to the improper escaping of UIX parameters within the affected versions of XWiki. Exploiting this vulnerability enables malicious users to execute unauthorized code snippets, posing a significant security risk to the XWiki platform.

The Impact of CVE-2023-27479

The impact of this vulnerability is severe, as it allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary code within the XWiki environment, potentially leading to unauthorized data access, manipulation, or system compromise. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability of XWiki installations are at high risk due to this vulnerability.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-27479

The vulnerability description outlines the vulnerability's exploitation through the execution of arbitrary code in XWiki, enabled by the improper escaping of UIX parameters. Affected systems include XWiki versions ranging from >= 6.3-milestone-2 to < 13.10.11, >= 14.0.0 to < 14.4.7, and >= 14.5.0 to < 14.10-rc-1.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in XWiki allows users with view rights to execute unauthorized Groovy, Python, or Velocity code, leading to full access to the XWiki installation.

Affected Systems and Versions

XWiki versions between >= 6.3-milestone-2 and < 13.10.11, >= 14.0.0 and < 14.4.7, and >= 14.5.0 and < 14.10-rc-1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves executing arbitrary Groovy, Python, or Velocity code by users with view rights, potentially compromising the XWiki platform.

Mitigation and Prevention

The mitigation and prevention strategies for CVE-2023-27479 are crucial to safeguard XWiki installations from unauthorized code execution and potential compromise.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to the patched versions of XWiki, specifically versions 13.10.11, 14.4.7, or 14.10-rc-1 to eliminate the vulnerability.
Restrict user privileges and access rights to minimize the risk of unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch XWiki installations to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement stringent security measures, including code review processes and access controls, to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Patching and Updates

Users are strongly advised to upgrade their XWiki installations to the patched versions (13.10.11, 14.4.7, or 14.10-rc-1) to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2023-27479. Alternatively, users unable to upgrade immediately can apply manual fixes by following the modifications outlined in commit

6de5442f3c

.