CVE-2025-24018 is a high-severity vulnerability affecting YesWiki, a PHP-based wiki system. This vulnerability allows authenticated users with rights to edit or create pages to trigger stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks. Specifically, it impacts versions up to and including 4.4.5, where malicious users can exploit the `{{attach}}` component to attach files, leading to unauthorized actions such as data theft and modification of pages.
The severity of this vulnerability is underscored by its CVSS score of 7.6, indicating a high level of risk. Organizations using YesWiki should be aware that the vulnerability can allow attackers to steal user accounts, modify content, and potentially extract sensitive data, affecting integrity, availability, and confidentiality.
As of the most recent update, there are no known exploits or proof of concepts publicly available. However, due to the nature of stored XSS vulnerabilities, organizations should not underestimate the potential for exploitation. Immediate action is required to mitigate this risk.
To protect against this vulnerability, organizations should prioritize patching their YesWiki installations to version 4.5.0, which contains the necessary fixes. Failure to do so may leave systems vulnerable to malicious attacks.
Vulnerability Details
The vulnerability, classified as a stored XSS (CWE-79), arises from improper input validation in the `{{attach}}` component of YesWiki. If an authenticated user attaches a file with a non-existent resource in the `file` attribute, the server generates an upload button that reveals the filename, potentially leading to the execution of malicious scripts in the context of any user loading the affected page.
The CVSS score of 7.6 indicates a high severity level, reflecting low attack complexity and the requirement for only low privileges. The attack vector is network-based, with the potential impacts on confidentiality rated as low and integrity as high.
YesWiki has acknowledged the issue and released a patch in version 4.5.0. Organizations must ensure they are running this version or later to mitigate exposure.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the way YesWiki handles file attachments through the `{{attach}}` component. When a file is attached, the system fails to properly validate the existence of the resource, leading to the exposure of the filename in a file upload button, where an attacker could embed malicious scripts.
The attack vector is primarily network-based, requiring only low privileges for an authenticated user. User interaction is not necessary, making the attack vector particularly concerning. The potential impacts include low confidentiality impact, high integrity impact due to unauthorized modifications, and low availability impact.
Risk & Impact Analysis
Risk to organizations includes potential account hijacking, unauthorized content modification, and exposure of user data. The vulnerability’s characteristics suggest a broad blast radius, particularly for collaborative environments where multiple users can contribute content.
Organizations must assess the urgency of this vulnerability based on their deployment environment. Given the high CVSS score, organizations should address this issue in their priority patch cycle. Failure to patch could lead to severe repercussions.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
YesWiki versions up to and including 4.4.5 are affected by this vulnerability. Organizations should ensure they are running version 4.5.0 or later to mitigate this risk.
Mitigation & Remediation
Organizations should prioritize patching their YesWiki installations to version 4.5.0 to address this vulnerability. If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing workarounds, such as restricting access rights for users who can attach files or moderating content submissions to prevent exploitation.
Additionally, organizations should review their configurations for hardening purposes, including implementing network controls and monitoring for unusual activities that may suggest exploitation attempts.
Security testing through penetration testing can help identify potential weaknesses in the application.
Detection Guidance
To detect potential exploitation of this vulnerability, organizations should monitor logs for unusual file attachment activities, as well as look for any unauthorized changes made to pages or comments. Behavioral anomalies associated with user roles that have editing privileges should also be reviewed.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2025-24018 exemplifies the ongoing risks associated with web applications that allow user-generated content. Security teams must prioritize vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard against similar vulnerabilities.
For further insights on securing web applications, security teams can refer to resources on web application penetration testing and consider the implications of implementing a comprehensive vulnerability management program to address and remediate such vulnerabilities effectively.
Security teams should also stay informed about penetration testing methodologies to ensure they are equipped to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities effectively.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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