Vulnerabilities > CVE-2013-4304 - Improper Authentication vulnerability in multiple products

047910
CVSS 7.5 - HIGH
Attack vector
NETWORK
Attack complexity
LOW
Privileges required
NONE
Confidentiality impact
PARTIAL
Integrity impact
PARTIAL
Availability impact
PARTIAL
network
low complexity
brion-vibber
mediawiki
CWE-287
nessus

Summary

The CentralAuth extension for MediaWiki 1.19.x before 1.19.8, 1.20.x before 1.20.7, and 1.21.x before 1.21.2 caches a valid CentralAuthUser object in the centralauth_User cookie even when a user has not successfully logged in, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication without a password.

Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE)

Common Attack Pattern Enumeration and Classification (CAPEC)

  • Authentication Abuse
    An attacker obtains unauthorized access to an application, service or device either through knowledge of the inherent weaknesses of an authentication mechanism, or by exploiting a flaw in the authentication scheme's implementation. In such an attack an authentication mechanism is functioning but a carefully controlled sequence of events causes the mechanism to grant access to the attacker. This attack may exploit assumptions made by the target's authentication procedures, such as assumptions regarding trust relationships or assumptions regarding the generation of secret values. This attack differs from Authentication Bypass attacks in that Authentication Abuse allows the attacker to be certified as a valid user through illegitimate means, while Authentication Bypass allows the user to access protected material without ever being certified as an authenticated user. This attack does not rely on prior sessions established by successfully authenticating users, as relied upon for the "Exploitation of Session Variables, Resource IDs and other Trusted Credentials" attack patterns.
  • Exploiting Trust in Client (aka Make the Client Invisible)
    An attack of this type exploits a programs' vulnerabilities in client/server communication channel authentication and data integrity. It leverages the implicit trust a server places in the client, or more importantly, that which the server believes is the client. An attacker executes this type of attack by placing themselves in the communication channel between client and server such that communication directly to the server is possible where the server believes it is communicating only with a valid client. There are numerous variations of this type of attack.
  • Utilizing REST's Trust in the System Resource to Register Man in the Middle
    This attack utilizes a REST(REpresentational State Transfer)-style applications' trust in the system resources and environment to place man in the middle once SSL is terminated. Rest applications premise is that they leverage existing infrastructure to deliver web services functionality. An example of this is a Rest application that uses HTTP Get methods and receives a HTTP response with an XML document. These Rest style web services are deployed on existing infrastructure such as Apache and IIS web servers with no SOAP stack required. Unfortunately from a security standpoint, there frequently is no interoperable identity security mechanism deployed, so Rest developers often fall back to SSL to deliver security. In large data centers, SSL is typically terminated at the edge of the network - at the firewall, load balancer, or router. Once the SSL is terminated the HTTP request is in the clear (unless developers have hashed or encrypted the values, but this is rare). The attacker can utilize a sniffer such as Wireshark to snapshot the credentials, such as username and password that are passed in the clear once SSL is terminated. Once the attacker gathers these credentials, they can submit requests to the web service provider just as authorized user do. There is not typically an authentication on the client side, beyond what is passed in the request itself so once this is compromised, then this is generally sufficient to compromise the service's authentication scheme.
  • Man in the Middle Attack
    This type of attack targets the communication between two components (typically client and server). The attacker places himself in the communication channel between the two components. Whenever one component attempts to communicate with the other (data flow, authentication challenges, etc.), the data first goes to the attacker, who has the opportunity to observe or alter it, and it is then passed on to the other component as if it was never intercepted. This interposition is transparent leaving the two compromised components unaware of the potential corruption or leakage of their communications. The potential for Man-in-the-Middle attacks yields an implicit lack of trust in communication or identify between two components.

Nessus

  • NASL familyGentoo Local Security Checks
    NASL idGENTOO_GLSA-201310-21.NASL
    descriptionThe remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-201310-21 (MediaWiki: Multiple vulnerabilities) Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in MediaWiki. Please review the CVE identifiers referenced below for details. Impact : A remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code, perform man-in-the-middle attacks, obtain sensitive information or perform cross-site scripting attacks. Workaround : There is no known workaround at this time.
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id70677
    published2013-10-29
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2013-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/70677
    titleGLSA-201310-21 : MediaWiki: Multiple vulnerabilities
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    # The descriptive text and package checks in this plugin were
    # extracted from Gentoo Linux Security Advisory GLSA 201310-21.
    #
    # The advisory text is Copyright (C) 2001-2019 Gentoo Foundation, Inc.
    # and licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution / Share Alike 
    # license. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(70677);
      script_version("1.11");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2019/11/22");
    
      script_cve_id("CVE-2013-1816", "CVE-2013-1817", "CVE-2013-1818", "CVE-2013-1951", "CVE-2013-2031", "CVE-2013-2032", "CVE-2013-2114", "CVE-2013-4301", "CVE-2013-4302", "CVE-2013-4303", "CVE-2013-4304", "CVE-2013-4305", "CVE-2013-4306", "CVE-2013-4307", "CVE-2013-4308");
      script_bugtraq_id(58304, 58305, 58306, 59077, 59594, 59595, 60077, 62194, 62201, 62202, 62203, 62210, 62215, 62218, 62434);
      script_xref(name:"GLSA", value:"201310-21");
    
      script_name(english:"GLSA-201310-21 : MediaWiki: Multiple vulnerabilities");
      script_summary(english:"Checks for updated package(s) in /var/db/pkg");
    
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"synopsis", 
        value:
    "The remote Gentoo host is missing one or more security-related
    patches."
      );
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"description", 
        value:
    "The remote host is affected by the vulnerability described in GLSA-201310-21
    (MediaWiki: Multiple vulnerabilities)
    
        Multiple vulnerabilities have been discovered in MediaWiki. Please
          review the CVE identifiers referenced below for details.
      
    Impact :
    
        A remote attacker may be able to execute arbitrary code, perform
          man-in-the-middle attacks, obtain sensitive information or perform
          cross-site scripting attacks.
      
    Workaround :
    
        There is no known workaround at this time."
      );
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"see_also",
        value:"https://security.gentoo.org/glsa/201310-21"
      );
      script_set_attribute(
        attribute:"solution", 
        value:
    "All MediaWiki 1.21.x users should upgrade to the latest version:
          # emerge --sync
          # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose '>=www-apps/mediawiki-1.21.2'
        All MediaWiki 1.20.x users should upgrade to the latest version:
          # emerge --sync
          # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose '>=www-apps/mediawiki-1.20.7'
        All MediaWiki 1.19.x users should upgrade to the latest version:
          # emerge --sync
          # emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose '>=www-apps/mediawiki-1.19.8'"
      );
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:U/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_cvss3_base_vector("CVSS:3.0/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:N/I:N/A:H");
      script_set_cvss3_temporal_vector("CVSS:3.0/E:U/RL:O/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"No known exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"false");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"local");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"p-cpe:/a:gentoo:linux:mediawiki");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/o:gentoo:linux");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2013/09/12");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2013/10/28");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2013/10/29");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"generated_plugin", value:"current");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2013-2019 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
      script_family(english:"Gentoo Local Security Checks");
    
      script_dependencies("ssh_get_info.nasl");
      script_require_keys("Host/local_checks_enabled", "Host/Gentoo/release", "Host/Gentoo/qpkg-list");
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("global_settings.inc");
    include("qpkg.inc");
    
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/local_checks_enabled")) audit(AUDIT_LOCAL_CHECKS_NOT_ENABLED);
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/Gentoo/release")) audit(AUDIT_OS_NOT, "Gentoo");
    if (!get_kb_item("Host/Gentoo/qpkg-list")) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_LIST_MISSING);
    
    
    flag = 0;
    
    if (qpkg_check(package:"www-apps/mediawiki", unaffected:make_list("ge 1.21.2", "rge 1.20.7", "rge 1.19.8"), vulnerable:make_list("lt 1.21.2"))) flag++;
    
    if (flag)
    {
      if (report_verbosity > 0) security_hole(port:0, extra:qpkg_report_get());
      else security_hole(0);
      exit(0);
    }
    else
    {
      tested = qpkg_tests_get();
      if (tested) audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_NOT_AFFECTED, tested);
      else audit(AUDIT_PACKAGE_NOT_INSTALLED, "MediaWiki");
    }
    
  • NASL familyCGI abuses
    NASL idMEDIAWIKI_1_19_8.NASL
    descriptionAccording to its version number, the instance of MediaWiki running on the remote host is affected by the following vulnerabilities : - The full installation path is disclosed in an error message when an invalid language is specified in the ResourceLoader. (CVE-2013-4301) - Multiple cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities exist in the API modules accessed through JSONP. (CVE-2013-4302) - A cross-site scripting vulnerability exists because input submitted to the property name is not properly sanitized. (CVE-2013-4303) Additionally, the following extensions contain vulnerabilities but are not enabled or installed by default (unless otherwise noted) : - Authentication can be bypassed in the CentralAuth extension by manipulating the
    last seen2020-06-01
    modified2020-06-02
    plugin id70293
    published2013-10-03
    reporterThis script is Copyright (C) 2013-2018 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.
    sourcehttps://www.tenable.com/plugins/nessus/70293
    titleMediaWiki < 1.19.8 / 1.20.7 / 1.21.2 Multiple Vulnerabilities
    code
    #
    # (C) Tenable Network Security, Inc.
    #
    
    include("compat.inc");
    
    if (description)
    {
      script_id(70293);
      script_version("1.9");
      script_cvs_date("Date: 2018/11/28 22:47:41");
    
      script_cve_id(
        "CVE-2013-4301",
        "CVE-2013-4302",
        "CVE-2013-4303",
        "CVE-2013-4304",
        "CVE-2013-4305",
        "CVE-2013-4306",
        "CVE-2013-4307",
        "CVE-2013-4308"
      );
      script_bugtraq_id(
        62194,
        62201,
        62202,
        62203,
        62210,
        62215,
        62218,
        62434
      );
    
      script_name(english:"MediaWiki < 1.19.8 / 1.20.7 / 1.21.2 Multiple Vulnerabilities");
      script_summary(english:"Checks version of MediaWiki.");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"synopsis", value:
    "The remote web server contains an application that is affected by
    multiple vulnerabilities.");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"description", value:
    "According to its version number, the instance of MediaWiki running on
    the remote host is affected by the following vulnerabilities :
    
      - The full installation path is disclosed in an error
        message when an invalid language is specified in the
        ResourceLoader. (CVE-2013-4301)
    
      - Multiple cross-site request forgery vulnerabilities
        exist in the API modules accessed through JSONP.
        (CVE-2013-4302)
    
      - A cross-site scripting vulnerability exists because
        input submitted to the property name is not properly
        sanitized. (CVE-2013-4303)
    
    Additionally, the following extensions contain vulnerabilities but
    are not enabled or installed by default (unless otherwise noted) :
    
      - Authentication can be bypassed in the CentralAuth
        extension by manipulating the 'centralauth_User' cookie.
        (CVE-2013-4304)
    
      - The SyntaxHighlight GeSHi extension is affected by a
        cross-site scripting vulnerability because user input is
        not properly sanitized when submitted to the
        'example.php' script. This extension is installed but
        not enabled by default on MediaWiki 1.21.x.
        (CVE-2013-4305)
    
      - The CheckUser extension is affected by a cross-site
        request forgery vulnerability because it does not
        properly validate HTTP requests. (CVE-2013-4306)
    
      - The Wikibase extension is affected by a cross-site
        scripting vulnerability because it does not properly
        escape the labels in the 'In other languages' section of 
        entity view. (CVE-2013-4307)
    
      - The LiquidThreads extensions is affected by a cross-site
        scripting vulnerability because it does not properly
        sanitize user input submitted to the LQT thread subject.
        (CVE-2013-4308)
    
    Note that Nessus has not tested for these issues but has instead
    relied on the application's self-reported version number.");
      # https://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/mediawiki-announce/2013-September/000133.html
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"http://www.nessus.org/u?4da081be");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Release_notes/1.19#MediaWiki_1.19.8");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Release_notes/1.20#MediaWiki_1.20.7");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"see_also", value:"https://www.mediawiki.org/wiki/Release_notes/1.21#MediaWiki_1.21.2");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"solution", value:"Upgrade to MediaWiki version 1.19.8 / 1.20.7 / 1.21.2 or later.");
      script_set_cvss_base_vector("CVSS2#AV:N/AC:L/Au:N/C:P/I:P/A:P");
      script_set_cvss_temporal_vector("CVSS2#E:U/RL:OF/RC:C");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploitability_ease", value:"No known exploits are available");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"exploit_available", value:"false");
      script_cwe_id(20, 74, 79, 442, 629, 711, 712, 722, 725, 750, 751, 800, 801, 809, 811, 864, 900, 928, 931, 990);
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"vuln_publication_date", value:"2013/03/19");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"patch_publication_date", value:"2013/09/03");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_publication_date", value:"2013/10/03");
    
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"potential_vulnerability", value:"true");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"plugin_type", value:"remote");
      script_set_attribute(attribute:"cpe", value:"cpe:/a:mediawiki:mediawiki");
      script_end_attributes();
    
      script_category(ACT_GATHER_INFO);
      script_family(english:"CGI abuses");
    
      script_copyright(english:"This script is Copyright (C) 2013-2018 and is owned by Tenable, Inc. or an Affiliate thereof.");
    
      script_dependencies("mediawiki_detect.nasl");
      script_require_keys("Settings/ParanoidReport", "installed_sw/MediaWiki", "www/PHP");
      script_require_ports("Services/www", 80);
    
      exit(0);
    }
    
    include("audit.inc");
    include("global_settings.inc");
    include("misc_func.inc");
    include("http.inc");
    include("install_func.inc");
    
    app = "MediaWiki";
    get_install_count(app_name:app, exit_if_zero:TRUE);
    
    port = get_http_port(default:80, php:TRUE);
    
    install = get_single_install(
      app_name : app,
      port     : port,
      exit_if_unknown_ver : TRUE
    );
    version = install['version'];
    install_url = build_url(qs:install['path'], port:port);
    
    if (report_paranoia < 2) audit(AUDIT_PARANOID);
    
    if (
      version =~ "^1\.19\.[0-7]([^0-9]|$)" ||
      version =~ "^1\.20\.[0-6]([^0-9]|$)" ||
      version =~ "^1\.21\.[0-1]([^0-9]|$)"
    )
    {
      set_kb_item(name:'www/'+port+'/XSS', value:TRUE);
      set_kb_item(name:'www/'+port+'/XSRF', value:TRUE);
    
      if (report_verbosity > 0)
      {
        report =
          '\n  URL               : ' + install_url +
          '\n  Installed version : ' + version +
          '\n  Fixed versions    : 1.19.8 / 1.20.7 / 1.21.2' +
          '\n';
        security_hole(port:port, extra:report);
      }
      else security_hole(port);
    }
    else audit(AUDIT_WEB_APP_NOT_AFFECTED, app, install_url, version);