CVE-2025-21612 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting the TabberNeue extension for MediaWiki, which allows users to create tabbed content. The flaw is rooted in the failure to properly escape user-supplied page names in the TabberTransclude.php file. This oversight permits attackers to inject cross-site scripting (XSS) payloads, potentially compromising the security of the application.
With a CVSS score of 8.6, this vulnerability poses a significant risk to organizations utilizing the affected extension. The ease of exploitation, coupled with the potential for high confidentiality impact, underscores the urgency for immediate remediation. Organizations are advised to prioritize patching to version 2.7.2 or later, where this vulnerability has been resolved.
The vulnerability was published on January 6, 2025, and has been classified under CWE-79 (Improper Neutralization of Input During Web Page Generation) and CWE-80 (Improper Neutralization of Input for Logging). As of now, there are no known exploits or public proof-of-concept available, highlighting the importance of proactive defense measures.
Organizations leveraging MediaWiki should assess their use of the TabberNeue extension and implement necessary updates or mitigations immediately. The risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and manipulation of sensitive data.
Given the high severity of this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching immediately.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability enables attackers to execute arbitrary JavaScript in the context of the user's browser by providing a malicious page name. As a result, the application fails to escape this input properly, leading to potential XSS attacks. The affected version is any version prior to 2.7.2, which has since addressed this issue.
The CVSS score of 8.6 indicates a high severity level, which necessitates immediate attention from security teams. The attack vector is classified as NETWORK, with low complexity and no privileges required, making it accessible for exploitation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of user input in the TabberTransclude.php file. Specifically, the extension does not adequately escape the page name provided by users, allowing for the injection of malicious scripts. This vulnerability can be exploited over the network without requiring any privileges or user interaction.
The attack complexity is low, enabling attackers to exploit this vulnerability easily. The potential impacts include high confidentiality loss due to the execution of arbitrary scripts in users' browsers, while integrity and availability impacts are assessed as low.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The deployment of the vulnerable TabberNeue extension poses a substantial risk to organizations, especially those that rely on MediaWiki for public-facing applications. The potential for XSS attacks could lead to the theft of session cookies and user credentials, resulting in unauthorized access to sensitive information.
Due to the high CVSS score, organizations should assess their exposure to this vulnerability and take immediate action to patch the affected software. The urgency for remediation is critical, given the potential impact on organizational reputation and user trust.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions include all versions prior to 2.7.2 of the TabberNeue extension. Organizations using earlier versions should upgrade to 2.7.2 or later to ensure protection against this vulnerability.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should implement the following remediation measures:
1. Upgrade the TabberNeue extension to version 2.7.2 or later.
2. Review and validate user input for the page name to prevent injection attacks.
3. Implement web application firewalls to block malicious input.
4. Conduct regular security assessments, including penetration testing, to identify and remediate security weaknesses.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor for the following indicators:
1. Unusual HTTP requests containing suspicious page names.
2. JavaScript errors indicating failed execution of scripts.
3. Anomalous user behavior, particularly from accounts modifying tab content.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-21612 highlights the ongoing risks associated with web applications that fail to properly sanitize user input. Organizations must remain vigilant and proactive in their security practices to mitigate such vulnerabilities. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining up-to-date software versions and employing comprehensive security measures.
To further enhance security posture, organizations should consider implementing a penetration testing methodology and ensure regular updates and patches are applied across all systems.
Additionally, the trend of vulnerabilities relating to user input underscores the necessity for organizations to invest in secure coding practices. By adopting a proactive approach and leveraging resources such as vulnerability management programs, organizations can significantly reduce their risk exposure.
Finally, organizations should be aware of evolving threats and consider engaging in red teaming exercises to simulate advanced persistent threats and assess their defenses.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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