CVE-2023-30537: org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-flamingo-theme-ui vulnerable to privilege escalation
Impact
Any user with the right to add an object on a page can execute arbitrary Groovy, Python or Velocity code in XWiki leading to full access to the XWiki installation. The root cause is improper escaping of the styles properties FlamingoThemesCode.WebHome. This page is installed by default.
Reproduction Steps
Steps to reproduce:
- As a user without script or programming rights, edit your user profile with the object editor (enable advanced mode if necessary to get access) and add an object of type "Theme Class" of "FlamingoThemesCode". In the field "body-bg" (all other fields should work, too) add the following text:
{{/html}} {{async async="true" cached="false" context="doc.reference"}}{{groovy}}println("Hello " + "from groovy!"){{/groovy}}{{/async}}
- Click "Save & View" - Open <xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/view/FlamingoThemesCode/WebHomeSheet where <xwiki-host> is the URL of your XWiki installation
Expected result:
The list of color themes either doesn't include the user's profile or displays a regular preview.
Actual result:
The user's profile is listed as color theme but instead of the little preview the message
Failed to execute the [html] macro. Cause: [When using HTML content inline, you can only use inline HTML content. Block HTML content (such as tables) cannot be displayed. Try leaving an empty line before and after the macro.]. Click on this message for details. Hello from groovy!">
is displayed. This shows that a Groovy macro with content created by the user has been executed and thus demonstrates a privilege escalation from simple user account to programming rights.
Patches The vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 13.10.11, 14.4.7 and 14.10.
Workarounds The issue can be fixed by applying this patch on FlamingoThemesCode.WebHomeSheet.
References - patch: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/df596f15368342236f8899ca122af8f3df0fe2e8 - Jira: https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20280
For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:
Open an issue in Jira XWiki.org Email us at Security Mailing List
Other sources
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform offering runtime services for applications built on top of it. Any user with the right to add an object on a page can execute arbitrary Groovy, Python or Velocity code in XWiki leading to full access to the XWiki installation. The root cause is improper escaping of the styles properties FlamingoThemesCode.WebHome. This page is installed by default. The vulnerability has been patched in XWiki versions 13.10.11, 14.4.7 and 14.10.
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2023-30537?
CVE-2023-30537 is considered a critical vulnerability that allows execution of arbitrary code in XWiki.
How do I fix CVE-2023-30537?
To mitigate CVE-2023-30537, update XWiki to version 14.10, 14.4.7, or 13.10.11 or later.
Who is affected by CVE-2023-30537?
Any user with rights to add an object to a page in XWiki installations that use vulnerable versions is affected by CVE-2023-30537.
What can attackers do with CVE-2023-30537?
Attackers can execute arbitrary Groovy, Python, or Velocity code, potentially gaining full access to the XWiki installation.
Is this vulnerability related to XWiki themes?
Yes, CVE-2023-30537 is related to improper escaping in the styles properties of the Flamingo theme in XWiki.