CVE-2021-21379 is a high-severity vulnerability impacting the XWiki Platform, a widely used generic wiki framework. This vulnerability allows the `{{wikimacrocontent}}` to execute content with the privileges of the macro author rather than the calling user. This behavior can lead to unauthorized script execution, particularly when the macro author possesses elevated privileges, such as programming rights. Although no default macro exists in XWiki Standard that exploits this vulnerability, custom macros could be introduced through extensions, posing significant risks to the security of affected installations.
The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 7.7, indicating a high level of severity. The potential for exploitation is facilitated by the attack vector being network-based, and the complexity of the attack is classified as high due to the requirement for user interaction. The urgency for organizations to address this vulnerability is amplified by the implications of allowing script execution under elevated rights.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately, as this vulnerability has been addressed in XWiki versions 12.6.3, 11.10.11, and 12.8-rc-1. For those unable to apply the patch promptly, the only recommended mitigation is to disable any affected macros, though this may not be a straightforward task given the potential complexity of macro interactions and content management.
Given the nature of the vulnerability and its possible implications, it is crucial for organizations utilizing XWiki to assess their current versions and take appropriate steps to mitigate risks associated with CVE-2021-21379.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability allows the execution of content through `{{wikimacrocontent}}` using the rights of the macro author. The vulnerability classification is designated as high severity, supported by a CVSS score of 7.7. The affected products include the XWiki Platform, with the vulnerability first published on March 12, 2021. The associated Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE) identifier is CWE-281.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the implementation of the `{{wikimacrocontent}}` functionality, which executes user-provided content with elevated privileges. The attack vector is network-based, requiring some level of user interaction to trigger the execution of malicious scripts. The attack complexity is categorized as high, necessitating specific conditions to exploit the vulnerability effectively. Privileges required for exploitation are low, and the attack impacts both confidentiality and integrity significantly, while availability remains unaffected.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes significant confidentiality and integrity impacts due to the potential for unauthorized script execution. The blast radius of this vulnerability could extend across all users with access to the affected macros, particularly if elevated privileges are granted to macro authors. Immediate action is required to mitigate these risks, and organizations should incorporate this vulnerability into their risk assessment frameworks.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The following versions of XWiki are affected by this vulnerability: all versions from 11.4 up to, but not including, 11.10.11, as well as versions from 12.0 up to, but not including, 12.6.3, and the specific version 12.7.1.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should apply the patches provided in XWiki versions 12.6.3, 11.10.11, and 12.8-rc-1 as soon as possible. If immediate patching is not feasible, disabling affected macros is the only temporary workaround. For further improvement in security posture, organizations can consider implementing penetration testing to identify other potential vulnerabilities and ensure safe content insertion practices.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for any anomalies related to macro executions and unexpected script behavior. Key indicators may include unusual user activity associated with macro authors, as well as failed or unauthorized access attempts to the wiki content.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2021-21379 highlights the ongoing need for secure coding practices in the development of web applications, particularly those that allow for user-generated content. As organizations continue to face threats from sophisticated attackers, understanding the patterns of vulnerabilities, such as those related to script injection, becomes crucial. Security teams should prioritize education on secure coding and regularly review macros and extensions for compliance with security best practices.
For more in-depth guidance on securing web applications, organizations can refer to our resources on web application penetration testing and maintain updated knowledge on potential threats.
By implementing proactive security measures and understanding the implications of vulnerabilities like CVE-2021-21379, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure and enhance their overall security posture.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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