CVE-2024-23173 : Security Advisory and Response

This is a detailed overview of CVE-2024-23173, including its description, impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies.

Understanding CVE-2024-23173

CVE-2024-23173 refers to a security issue identified in the Cargo 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 cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks through specific parameters on the Special:Drilldown page.

What is CVE-2024-23173?

The vulnerability in the Cargo extension of MediaWiki enables attackers to execute XSS attacks by manipulating parameters like artist, album, and position due to improper handling of filter values in drilldown/CargoAppliedFilter.php.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23173

Exploitation of this vulnerability could potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, manipulation of user data, or the spread of malicious content within the affected MediaWiki instances.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23173

This section provides a closer look at the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and how it can be exploited.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from inadequate input validation and sanitation of user-controlled data in the Cargo extension of MediaWiki, allowing malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts within the context of a user's session.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability impacts MediaWiki instances running 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 that have the Cargo extension enabled.

Exploitation Mechanism

By manipulating the artist, album, and position parameters on the Special:Drilldown page, attackers can insert malicious scripts that get executed when unsuspecting users interact with the affected pages, leading to XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-23173, immediate steps should be taken along with implementing long-term security practices and applying necessary patches and updates.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable the Cargo extension in affected MediaWiki instances if not critical for operations.
Implement content security policy (CSP) headers to mitigate XSS risks.
Educate users about safe browsing practices and potential risks of interacting with untrusted content.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and extensions to the latest secure versions.
Conduct security audits and vulnerability assessments on MediaWiki installations to identify and address potential weaknesses.
Stay informed about security best practices and keep abreast of new threats and vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

MediaWiki users are advised to update to versions 1.35.14, 1.36.x through 1.39.6, or 1.40.2 to fix the vulnerability in the Cargo extension and protect their systems from potential exploits.