CVE-2025-46557: Any user with view access to the XWiki space can change the authenticator
First published: Wed Apr 30 2025(Updated: )
### Impact A user who can access pages located in the XWiki space (by default, anyone) can access the page `XWiki.Authentication.Administration` and (unless an authenticator is set in `xwiki.cfg`) switch to another installed authenticator. Note that, by default, there is only one authenticator available (`Standard XWiki Authenticator`). So, if no authenticator extension was installed, it's not really possible to do anything for an attacker. Also, in most cases, if you have installed and are using an SSO authenticator (like OIDC or LDAP for example), the worst an attacker can do is break authentication by switching back to the standard authenticator (that's because it's impossible to login to a user which does not have a stored password, and that's usually what SSO authenticator produce). ### Patches This has been patched in XWiki 15.10.9 and XWiki 16.3.0RC1. ### Workarounds You can very easily fix this vulnerability in your instance through right configuration: * access the page and children right administration of the page `XWiki.Authentication` (`https://myhost/xwiki/bin/admin/XWiki/Authentication/WebPreferences?editor=spaceadmin§ion=PageAndChildrenRights&space=XWiki.Authentication#|t=usersandgroupstable&p=1&l=10&uorg=groups&wiki=local&clsname=XWiki.XWikiGlobalRights`) * make sure only admin user have the VIEW right ### References https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-22604 https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/5efc31cea1501c9a5cb593566fea8b558ff32a2a ### For more information If you have any questions or comments about this advisory: * Open an issue in [Jira XWiki.org](https://jira.xwiki.org/) * Email us at [Security Mailing List](mailto:security@xwiki.org)
Credit: security-advisories@github.com
| Affected Software | Affected Version | How to fix |
|---|---|---|
| maven/org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-security-authentication-ui | >=16.5.0-rc-1<16.10.0-rc-1 | 16.10.0-rc-1 |
| maven/org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-security-authentication-ui | >=16.0.0-rc-1<16.4.6 | 16.4.6 |
| maven/org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-security-authentication-ui | >=15.3-rc-1<15.10.14 | 15.10.14 |
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Reference Links
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-f9c6-2f9p-82jj
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/5efc31cea1501c9a5cb593566fea8b558ff32a2a
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-22604
- https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-46557
- https://github.com/advisories/GHSA-f9c6-2f9p-82jj (Advisory)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the severity of CVE-2025-46557?
CVE-2025-46557 has a high severity due to unauthorized access to the authentication administration page.
How do I fix CVE-2025-46557?
To fix CVE-2025-46557, update to version 16.10.0-rc-1, 16.4.6, or 15.10.14 of the affected XWiki package.
Who is affected by CVE-2025-46557?
Any user who can access XWiki pages is potentially affected by CVE-2025-46557.
What type of vulnerability is CVE-2025-46557?
CVE-2025-46557 is an authentication bypass vulnerability that can allow unauthorized access to sensitive settings.
What software does CVE-2025-46557 affect?
CVE-2025-46557 affects the XWiki platform, specifically the security authentication user interface packages.
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