CVE-2023-50721: XWiki Platform RCE from account through SearchAdmin
Impact The search administration interface doesn't properly escape the id and label of search user interface extensions, allowing the injection of XWiki syntax containing script macros including Groovy macros that allow remote code execution, impacting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the whole XWiki instance. This attack can be executed by any user who can edit some wiki page like the user's profile (editable by default) as user interface extensions that will be displayed in the search administration can be added on any document by any user.
To reproduce, edit any document with the object editor, add an object of type XWiki.UIExtensionClass, set "Extension Point Id" to org.xwiki.platform.search, set "Extension ID" to {{async}}{{groovy}}services.logging.getLogger("attacker").error("Attack from extension id succeeded!"){{/groovy}}{{/async}}, set "Extension Parameters" to label={{async}}{{groovy}}services.logging.getLogger("attacker").error("Attack from label succeeded!"){{/groovy}}{{/async}} and "Extension Scope" to "Current User". Then open the page XWiki.SearchAdmin, e.g., on http://localhost:8080/xwiki/bin/view/XWiki/SearchAdmin. If there are error log messages in XWiki's log that announce that attacks succeeded, the instance is vulnerable.
Patches The necessary escaping has been added in XWiki 14.10.15, 15.5.2 and 15.7RC1.
Workarounds The patch can be manually applied to the page XWiki.SearchAdmin.
References https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/62863736d78ffd60d822279c5fb7fb9593042766 https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-21200
Other sources
XWiki Platform is a generic wiki platform. Starting in 4.5-rc-1 and prior to versions 14.10.15, 15.5.2, and 15.7-rc-1, the search administration interface doesn't properly escape the id and label of search user interface extensions, allowing the injection of XWiki syntax containing script macros including Groovy macros that allow remote code execution, impacting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the whole XWiki instance. This attack can be executed by any user who can edit some wiki page like the user's profile (editable by default) as user interface extensions that will be displayed in the search administration can be added on any document by any user. The necessary escaping has been added in XWiki 14.10.15, 15.5.2 and 15.7RC1. As a workaround, the patch can be applied manually applied to the page XWiki.SearchAdmin.
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2023-50721?
CVE-2023-50721 has a high severity rating due to the potential for remote code execution.
How do I fix CVE-2023-50721?
To fix CVE-2023-50721, you should upgrade to XWiki version 15.7-rc-1, 15.5.2, or 14.10.15.
What is the impact of CVE-2023-50721?
CVE-2023-50721 allows for remote code execution through improper escaping in the search administration interface.
Which versions are affected by CVE-2023-50721?
CVE-2023-50721 affects XWiki versions between 4.5 and 14.10.15 as well as 15.0-rc-1 to 15.6-rc-1.
Is CVE-2023-50721 a known vulnerability?
Yes, CVE-2023-50721 is a known vulnerability that has been documented and recognized in the cybersecurity community.