CVE-2024-23171 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to an issue identified in the CampaignEvents extension within MediaWiki versions before 1.35.14, 1.36.x through 1.39.x before 1.39.6, and 1.40.x before 1.40.2. The vulnerability allows for XSS (Cross-Site Scripting) through the x-xss language setting for internationalization (i18n) on the Special:EventDetails page.

Understanding CVE-2024-23171

This section delves into the specifics of CVE-2024-23171 including its description, impact, affected systems, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2024-23171?

CVE-2024-23171 is a security flaw found in the CampaignEvents extension of MediaWiki, enabling attackers to execute Cross-Site Scripting attacks by exploiting the x-xss language setting for internationalization on the Special:EventDetails page.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23171

The impact of this vulnerability is significant as it allows malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the context of the affected page, potentially leading to unauthorized data disclosure, session hijacking, or website defacement.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23171

In this section, we will discuss the technical aspects of CVE-2024-23171, including vulnerability description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in the CampaignEvents extension of MediaWiki exposes the Special:EventDetails page to Cross-Site Scripting attacks through the x-xss language setting, enabling attackers to inject malicious scripts into the page's content.

Affected Systems and Versions

MediaWiki versions prior to 1.35.14, 1.36.x through 1.39.x before 1.39.6, and 1.40.x before 1.40.2 are susceptible to CVE-2024-23171, making them vulnerable to exploitation if not promptly addressed.

Exploitation Mechanism

By leveraging the x-xss language setting for internationalization in CampaignEvents, threat actors can craft malicious payloads that, when executed, can compromise user sessions, manipulate website content, or steal sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-23171 and prevent potential attacks.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users and administrators are advised to update MediaWiki to versions 1.35.14, 1.39.6, or 1.40.2 to patch the vulnerability and prevent exploitation.
Disable the CampaignEvents extension if it is not essential for the platform's functionality to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor security advisories and updates from MediaWiki to stay informed about potential vulnerabilities and patches.
Implement secure coding practices and input validation mechanisms to prevent Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities in extension development.

Patching and Updates

Apply available security patches provided by MediaWiki promptly to ensure systems are protected against known vulnerabilities and exploitation attempts.