CVE-2023-46731 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

Remote code execution through the section parameter in Administration as guest in XWiki Platform.

Understanding CVE-2023-46731

XWiki Platform contains a vulnerability that allows remote code execution through the section parameter in Administration as a guest, affecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the XWiki instance.

What is CVE-2023-46731?

XWiki Platform, a generic wiki platform, fails to properly escape the section URL parameter used in the code for displaying administration sections. This flaw enables any user with read access to the document

XWiki.AdminSheet

to execute code, including Groovy code, leading to potential security breaches.

The Impact of CVE-2023-46731

This vulnerability poses a critical threat to the affected XWiki instances, compromising the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the entire platform. Unauthorized execution of code can have severe consequences, making it crucial to address this issue promptly.

Technical Details of CVE-2023-46731

The vulnerability details, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism of CVE-2023-46731.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of the section parameter in XWiki Platform's administration sections, allowing for code execution by unauthorized users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: XWiki
Product: XWiki Platform
Affected Versions:
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-administration : < 14.10.14
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-administration-ui: < 14.10.14
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-administration-ui: >= 15.0-rc-1, < 15.5.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Exploiting this vulnerability involves manipulating the section URL parameter to inject and execute malicious code, potentially impacting the entire XWiki platform.

Mitigation and Prevention

Effective measures to mitigate and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2023-46731.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users are advised to upgrade to the patched versions of XWiki, specifically versions 14.10.14, 15.6 RC1, or 15.5.1. Alternatively, users unable to upgrade immediately can apply the fix manually by referencing commit

fec8e0e53f9

.

Long-Term Security Practices

To enhance security in the long term, consider removing view rights for guests from the

XWiki.AdminSheet

document, limiting exposure to potential attacks from unauthenticated users.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitor for security updates from XWiki and apply patches promptly to mitigate the risk of exploitation and ensure the security of the platform.