CVE-2023-29524
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated users without script or programming rights to execute arbitrary Groovy code on XWiki servers by adding malicious scheduler job objects to their user profiles. The code runs with the privileges of the Scheduler Application sheet page, potentially leading to server compromise. All XWiki installations below patched versions are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki Platform
📦 What is this software?
Xwiki by Xwiki
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete server takeover with remote code execution, data exfiltration, lateral movement, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Unauthorized code execution leading to data theft, privilege escalation, or service disruption.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls and monitoring are in place, but still represents significant risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access but follows documented steps. The advisory provides clear exploitation methodology.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: XWiki 14.10.3 or 15.0 RC1
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-fc42-5w56-qw7h
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your XWiki instance. 2. Upgrade to XWiki 14.10.3 or 15.0 RC1. 3. Restart the XWiki service. 4. Verify the patch is applied.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict user profile editing permissions to trusted administrators only.
- Implement strict network segmentation and monitoring for XWiki instances.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki version via admin interface or by examining installation files. Versions below 14.10.3 or 15.0 RC1 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check XWiki version in Administration → About section or examine xwiki-version.txt in installation directory.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify XWiki version is 14.10.3 or higher, or 15.0 RC1 or higher. Test that adding XWiki.SchedulerJobClass objects no longer executes arbitrary code.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Groovy script execution in scheduler logs
- Multiple failed authentication attempts followed by profile edits
- Unexpected creation of XWiki.SchedulerJobClass objects
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from XWiki server
- Large data transfers from XWiki instance
SIEM Query:
source="xwiki" AND (event="scheduler_execution" OR event="profile_edit") AND user!="admin"🔗 References
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-fc42-5w56-qw7h
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20295
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20462
- https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-fc42-5w56-qw7h
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20295
- https://jira.xwiki.org/browse/XWIKI-20462
