CVE-2023-45372 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security vulnerability has been identified in the Wikibase extension for MediaWiki, potentially impacting versions before 1.35.12, 1.36.x through 1.39.5, and 1.40.x before 1.40.1. This CVE, assigned by MITRE, highlights an issue during item merging that could be exploited by threat actors. Read on to understand the details of CVE-2023-45372.

Understanding CVE-2023-45372

This section will delve into the description of the vulnerability, its impact, affected systems and versions, as well as the exploitation mechanism.

What is CVE-2023-45372?

The CVE-2023-45372 vulnerability exists in the Wikibase extension for MediaWiki. Specifically, it occurs during item merging when the ItemMergeInteractor lacks an edit filter such as AbuseFilter. This oversight could be leveraged by malicious entities to launch attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2023-45372

The vulnerability can potentially lead to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or other security breaches within the affected versions of MediaWiki's Wikibase extension. It is crucial for organizations to address this issue promptly to prevent exploitation.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-45372

In this section, we will explore the specific technical aspects of CVE-2023-45372, including a detailed description of the vulnerability, the systems and versions it affects, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of an edit filter during item merging in the Wikibase extension for MediaWiki. This oversight opens up avenues for threat actors to exploit the system.

Affected Systems and Versions

The impacted systems include versions of MediaWiki prior to 1.35.12, 1.36.x through 1.39.5, and 1.40.x before 1.40.1. Organizations using these versions are at risk and should take immediate action to mitigate the vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

By exploiting the absence of an edit filter during item merging, attackers can manipulate data, gain unauthorized access, or disrupt system functionality. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for implementing effective security measures.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2023-45372, organizations should take immediate steps to secure their systems, adopt long-term security practices, and ensure timely patching and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Immediately deploy patches, restrict access to vulnerable systems, monitor for suspicious activities, and educate users about potential risks associated with the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Incorporate security best practices into software development processes, conduct regular security audits, prioritize user input validation, and enhance security awareness among staff members.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the Wikibase extension for MediaWiki is updated to versions 1.35.12, 1.39.5, and 1.40.1 or higher to remediate the vulnerability. Regularly check for updates and apply patches to safeguard against known vulnerabilities.