CVE-2021-32621
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users without Script or Programming rights to execute privileged scripts by editing gadget titles in XWiki Platform dashboards. It affects XWiki Platform versions before 12.6.7, 12.10.3, and 13.0RC1. Attackers can potentially execute arbitrary code with elevated privileges.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki Platform
📦 What is this software?
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Remote code execution leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, or ransomware deployment.
Likely Case
Unauthorized script execution allowing privilege escalation, data manipulation, or lateral movement within the XWiki environment.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and network segmentation are implemented, restricting the blast radius.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated user access. Public proof-of-concept demonstrates the vulnerability. The attack vector is straightforward once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 12.6.7, 12.10.3, or 13.0RC1 and later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-h353-hc43-95vc
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your XWiki instance and database. 2. Download and install XWiki 12.6.7, 12.10.3, or 13.0RC1+. 3. Follow XWiki upgrade documentation. 4. Restart the XWiki service. 5. Verify the patch is applied.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Dashboard Access
allTemporarily disable or restrict access to dashboard editing functionality for non-privileged users.
Modify XWiki rights settings to remove 'edit' permission on dashboard gadgets for users without Script/Programming rights
Disable Gadget Titles
allDisable the ability to edit gadget titles in dashboard configurations.
Edit dashboard configuration files to remove title editing capabilities
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict access controls to limit dashboard access to trusted users only.
- Monitor and audit all dashboard editing activities for suspicious behavior.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki version via Admin interface or by examining version files. If version is below 12.6.7, 12.10.3, or 13.0RC1, it's vulnerable.Check Version:
Check Admin → About page in XWiki or examine WEB-INF/version.properties fileVerify Fix Applied:
Verify XWiki version is 12.6.7, 12.10.3, or 13.0RC1+. Test dashboard gadget title editing with non-privileged user accounts.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual dashboard editing activities by non-privileged users
- Script execution logs from unexpected sources
- Failed privilege escalation attempts
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from XWiki server
- Suspicious payloads in HTTP requests to dashboard endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="xwiki.log" AND ("dashboard edit" OR "gadget title") AND user NOT IN (privileged_users_list)🔗 References
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/bb7068bd911f91e5511f3cfb03276c7ac81100bc
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-h353-hc43-95vc
- https://jay-from-future.github.io/cve/2021/06/17/xwiki-rce-cve.html
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-17794
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/commit/bb7068bd911f91e5511f3cfb03276c7ac81100bc
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-h353-hc43-95vc
- https://jay-from-future.github.io/cve/2021/06/17/xwiki-rce-cve.html
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-17794
