CVE-2023-37305 : What You Need to Know

An issue was discovered in the ProofreadPage (aka Proofread Page) extension for MediaWiki through 1.39.3 where hidden users can be exposed via public interfaces.

Understanding CVE-2023-37305

This CVE report highlights a security vulnerability in the ProofreadPage extension for MediaWiki that allows hidden users to be exposed through public interfaces.

What is CVE-2023-37305?

CVE-2023-37305 refers to a security flaw in the ProofreadPage extension within MediaWiki versions up to 1.39.3. This vulnerability can potentially lead to hidden users being revealed through public interfaces.

The Impact of CVE-2023-37305

The impact of CVE-2023-37305 can result in a breach of user privacy and confidentiality as hidden user information may be unintentionally disclosed through public interfaces.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-37305

This section delves into the specific technical aspects of the CVE, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability lies in the includes/Page/PageContentHandler.php and includes/Page/PageDisplayHandler.php files of the ProofreadPage extension, exposing hidden users through public interfaces.

Affected Systems and Versions

The ProofreadPage extension for MediaWiki versions up to 1.39.3 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by unauthorized users to access hidden user data through the exposed public interfaces.

Mitigation and Prevention

In order to address CVE-2023-37305 and prevent its exploitation, certain immediate steps and long-term security practices can be implemented.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately updating the ProofreadPage extension to the latest secure version can help mitigate the risk of hidden user exposure.

Long-Term Security Practices

Enforcing stricter access controls, implementing regular security audits, and educating users on privacy protection can enhance long-term security measures.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for security patches released by MediaWiki and promptly applying them to the ProofreadPage extension is crucial to staying protected against potential vulnerabilities.