CVE-2023-29525: Xwiki platform distribution war XWiki Platform Vulnerable To Privilege Vulnerability

CRITICAL
Advisory Identifier: GHSA-jgg7-w2rj-58cj
CVSS 9.9
CWE-74
Published
Advisory Summary

CVE-2023-29525 is a CRITICAL (CVSS 9.9) xwiki platform vulnerable to privilege vulnerability (CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')) affecting Xwiki platform distribution war libraries in the Maven ecosystem. The issue involves xwiki platform vulnerable to privilege escalation from view right on xwiki.notifications.code.legacynotificationadministration. Remediation is available by upgrading affected packages to version 13.10.11, 14.4.8, 14.6-rc-1, 14.10.3.

CVE-2023-29525 at a Glance

CVE Identifier CVE-2023-29525
GHSA Identifier GHSA-jgg7-w2rj-58cj
Severity CRITICAL
CVSS v3.1 Base Score 9.9
CWE Classification CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection')
Affected Product Xwiki platform distribution war
Package Ecosystem Maven
Published Date
Last Updated

Security Impact

CVSS: 9.9

The security impact metrics below are parsed directly from the CVSS v3.1 vector string (CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H).

Attack Vector Network (AV:N)
Attack Complexity Low (AC:L)
Privileges Required Low (PR:L)
User Interaction None (UI:N)
Scope Changed (S:C)
Confidentiality High (C:H)
Integrity High (I:H)
Availability High (A:H)

How to Fix CVE-2023-29525

To remediate this vulnerability, upgrade all affected Xwiki platform distribution war dependencies to a patched release. Both direct and transitive dependencies should be checked, as frameworks or security libraries may pull in vulnerable versions transitively.

org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war fixed: 13.10.11
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.xwiki.platform</groupId>
    <artifactId>xwiki-platform-distribution-war</artifactId>
    <version>13.10.11</version>
</dependency>
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war fixed: 14.4.8
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.xwiki.platform</groupId>
    <artifactId>xwiki-platform-distribution-war</artifactId>
    <version>14.4.8</version>
</dependency>
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war fixed: 14.6-rc-1
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.xwiki.platform</groupId>
    <artifactId>xwiki-platform-distribution-war</artifactId>
    <version>14.6-rc-1</version>
</dependency>
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui fixed: 14.10.3
<dependency>
    <groupId>org.xwiki.platform</groupId>
    <artifactId>xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui</artifactId>
    <version>14.10.3</version>
</dependency>
Verify Direct and Transitive Dependencies

Run the following command in your project directory to verify that all resolved dependencies use the patched release:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.xwiki.platform

How to Check if You Are Affected

To determine whether your Java application is affected by CVE-2023-29525, inspect your build dependencies using the Maven Dependency Plugin:

mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.xwiki.platform

Analyze the terminal output to locate any version of Xwiki platform distribution war in your dependency tree. If any resolved version matches the vulnerable ranges listed in the table below (for example, versions earlier than 13.10.11), your application is affected.

Note: The mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.xwiki.platform command inspects the resolved dependency graph declared in your project's POM files; it does not perform automated security scanning or inspect runtime dynamic classpaths. Always verify runtime container classpaths and shaded JARs.

Technical Details

Vulnerability Mechanism & Technical Analysis

This vulnerability is classified under CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection'), where the product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component. In Xwiki platform distribution war, software state validation or input boundaries are circumvented during processing. Review the official source advisory statement below for specific affected components, classes, and reproduction details.

Source Advisory Statement

### Impact Steps to reproduce: Open <xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/view/XWiki/Notifications/Code/LegacyNotificationAdministration?since=%7B%7B%2Fhtml%7D%7D+%7B%7Basync+async%3D%22true%22+cached%3D%22false%22+context%3D%22doc.reference%22%7D%7D%7B%7Bgroovy%7D%7Dprintln%28%22Hello+%22+%2B+%22from+groovy%21%22%29%7B%7B%2Fgroovy%7D%7D%7B%7B%2Fasync%7D%7D, where <xwiki-host> is the URL of your XWiki installation. This demonstrates an XWiki syntax injection attack via the since-parameter, allowing privilege escalation from view to programming rights. ### Patches The vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 15.0-rc-1, 14.10.3, 14.4.8 and 14.10.3. ### Workarounds For versions >= 14.6-rc-1 the workaround is to modify the page `XWiki.Notifications.Code.LegacyNotificationAdministration` to add the missing escaping, as described on https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/8e7c7f90f2ddaf067cb5b83b181af41513028754#diff-4e13f4ee4a42938bf1201b7ee71ca32edeacba22559daf0bcb89d534e0225949R70 For versions < 14.6-rc-1 the workaround is to modify the file `<xwikiwebapp>/templates/distribution/eventmigration.wiki` to add the missing escaping, as described on https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/6d74e2e4aa03d19f0be385ab63ae9e0f0e90a766 ### References https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20287 ### 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)

CVE-2023-29525 Affected Xwiki platform distribution war Versions

4 component(s)
Fixed Versions:
13.10.1114.4.814.6-rc-114.10.3
Product / Package Ecosystem Affected Versions Fixed Version
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war
Maven
≥ 12.6.1
< 13.10.11
13.10.11
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war
Maven
≥ 14.0-rc-1
< 14.4.8
14.4.8
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war
Maven
≥ 14.5
< 14.6-rc-1
14.6-rc-1
org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui
Maven
≥ 14.6-rc-1
< 14.10.3
14.10.3

References

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CVE-2023-29525?
CVE-2023-29525 is a security vulnerability in Xwiki platform distribution war involving XWiki Platform vulnerable to privilege escalation from view right on XWiki.Notifications.Code.LegacyNotificationAdministration under CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection').
Which Xwiki platform distribution war versions are affected?
Affected versions include releases prior to 13.10.11, 14.4.8, 14.6-rc-1, 14.10.3 across affected packages: org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war, org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui.
What version fixes CVE-2023-29525?
Upgrading to 13.10.11, 14.4.8, 14.6-rc-1, 14.10.3 (or the latest patched release for your respective branch) resolves the vulnerability.
Is xwiki-platform-distribution-war affected?
Yes, org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war is affected in releases prior to 13.10.11, 14.4.8, 14.6-rc-1. Upgrade your dependency to 13.10.11, 14.4.8, 14.6-rc-1 or later.
Is xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui affected?
Yes, org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui is affected in releases prior to 14.10.3. Upgrade your dependency to 14.10.3 or later.
What is the CVSS score of CVE-2023-29525?
CVE-2023-29525 has a CVSS v3.1 base score of 9.9 (CRITICAL) with vector string CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H.
What CWE is associated with CVE-2023-29525?
CVE-2023-29525 is classified under CWE-74: Improper Neutralization of Special Elements in Output Used by a Downstream Component ('Injection') (The product constructs all or part of a command, data structure, or record using externally-influenced input from an upstream component, but it does not neutralize or incorrectly neutralizes special elements that could modify how it is parsed or interpreted when it is sent to a downstream component.).
How can I check Maven dependencies for CVE-2023-29525?
Run the dependency tree command: 'mvn dependency:tree -Dincludes=org.xwiki.platform'. This command lists direct and transitive dependencies in your build configuration so you can verify if a vulnerable version is resolved.
Machine-readable OSV JSON OSV v1.5 Schema
Normalized schema output
{
  "schema_version" : "1.4.0",
  "id" : "GHSA-jgg7-w2rj-58cj",
  "modified" : "2023-04-20T22:25:42Z",
  "published" : "2023-04-20T22:25:42Z",
  "aliases" : [ "CVE-2023-29525" ],
  "summary" : "XWiki Platform vulnerable to privilege escalation from view right on XWiki.Notifications.Code.LegacyNotificationAdministration",
  "details" : "### Impact\n\nSteps to reproduce:\n\nOpen <xwiki-host>/xwiki/bin/view/XWiki/Notifications/Code/LegacyNotificationAdministration?since=%7B%7B%2Fhtml%7D%7D+%7B%7Basync+async%3D%22true%22+cached%3D%22false%22+context%3D%22doc.reference%22%7D%7D%7B%7Bgroovy%7D%7Dprintln%28%22Hello+%22+%2B+%22from+groovy%21%22%29%7B%7B%2Fgroovy%7D%7D%7B%7B%2Fasync%7D%7D, where <xwiki-host> is the URL of your XWiki installation.\n\nThis demonstrates an XWiki syntax injection attack via the since-parameter, allowing privilege escalation from view to programming rights.\n\n### Patches\n\nThe vulnerability has been patched in XWiki 15.0-rc-1, 14.10.3, 14.4.8 and 14.10.3.\n\n### Workarounds\n\nFor versions >= 14.6-rc-1 the workaround is to modify the page `XWiki.Notifications.Code.LegacyNotificationAdministration` to add the missing escaping, as described on https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/8e7c7f90f2ddaf067cb5b83b181af41513028754#diff-4e13f4ee4a42938bf1201b7ee71ca32edeacba22559daf0bcb89d534e0225949R70\n\nFor versions < 14.6-rc-1 the workaround is to modify the file `<xwikiwebapp>/templates/distribution/eventmigration.wiki` to add the missing escaping, as described on https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/6d74e2e4aa03d19f0be385ab63ae9e0f0e90a766\n\n### References\n\nhttps://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20287\n\n### For more information\n\nIf you have any questions or comments about this advisory:\n* Open an issue in [Jira XWiki.org](https://jira.xwiki.org/)\n* Email us at [Security Mailing List](mailto:security@xwiki.org)",
  "severity" : [ {
    "type" : "CVSS_V3",
    "score" : "CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:H"
  } ],
  "affected" : [ {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "12.6.1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "13.10.11"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "14.0-rc-1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "14.4.8"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-distribution-war"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "14.5"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "14.6-rc-1"
      } ]
    } ]
  }, {
    "package" : {
      "ecosystem" : "Maven",
      "name" : "org.xwiki.platform:xwiki-platform-legacy-events-hibernate-ui"
    },
    "ranges" : [ {
      "type" : "ECOSYSTEM",
      "events" : [ {
        "introduced" : "14.6-rc-1"
      }, {
        "fixed" : "14.10.3"
      } ]
    } ]
  } ],
  "references" : [ {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-jgg7-w2rj-58cj"
  }, {
    "type" : "ADVISORY",
    "url" : "https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2023-29525"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/6d74e2e4aa03d19f0be385ab63ae9e0f0e90a766"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/8e7c7f90f2ddaf067cb5b83b181af41513028754#diff-4e13f4ee4a42938bf1201b7ee71ca32edeacba22559daf0bcb89d534e0225949R70"
  }, {
    "type" : "PACKAGE",
    "url" : "https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform"
  }, {
    "type" : "WEB",
    "url" : "https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20287"
  } ],
  "database_specific" : {
    "cwe_ids" : [ "CWE-74" ],
    "severity" : "CRITICAL",
    "github_reviewed" : true,
    "github_reviewed_at" : "2023-04-20T22:25:42Z",
    "nvd_published_at" : "2023-04-19T00:15:09Z"
  }
}