CVE-2023-29141 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An issue was discovered in MediaWiki before 1.35.10, 1.36.x through 1.38.x before 1.38.6, and 1.39.x before 1.39.3. An auto-block can occur for an untrusted X-Forwarded-For header.

Understanding CVE-2023-29141

This section provides insights into the CVE-2023-29141 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2023-29141?

CVE-2023-29141 is a security vulnerability found in various versions of MediaWiki, leading to a potential auto-block for an untrusted X-Forwarded-For header.

The Impact of CVE-2023-29141

This vulnerability could be exploited to trigger unauthorized auto-blocks through malicious X-Forwarded-For headers, impacting the availability and security of MediaWiki instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-29141

Information on the vulnerability specifics.

Vulnerability Description

The issue allows for auto-blocking based on an untrusted X-Forwarded-For header, potentially impacting network access.

Affected Systems and Versions

MediaWiki versions prior to 1.35.10, 1.36.x through 1.38.x before 1.38.6, and 1.39.x before 1.39.3 are affected by this security flaw.

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploitation involves crafting malicious X-Forwarded-For headers to trigger erroneous auto-blocks, compromising system availability.

Mitigation and Prevention

Preventive measures and steps to address the CVE-2023-29141 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Organizations should update their MediaWiki instances to versions 1.35.10, 1.38.6, or 1.39.3 to mitigate the risk of unauthorized auto-blocking.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure header handling mechanisms and routinely monitor and patch vulnerabilities to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates provided by MediaWiki and apply patches promptly to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.