CVE-2024-42489
📋 TL;DR
This CVE describes a critical remote code execution vulnerability in Pro Macros for XWiki. Attackers with view rights on specific pages or edit/comment rights on any page can exploit missing escaping in macros like Viewpdf and Viewppt to execute arbitrary code. All XWiki instances using vulnerable versions of Pro Macros are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki Pro Macros
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full system compromise allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands with the privileges of the XWiki application, potentially leading to data theft, system takeover, or lateral movement.
Likely Case
Attackers with basic user permissions can execute arbitrary code, leading to data exfiltration, privilege escalation, or deployment of malware.
If Mitigated
With proper access controls and network segmentation, impact could be limited to the XWiki application container or isolated environment.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires some user permissions but is straightforward once access is obtained. The vulnerability is in the macro rendering logic with missing escaping.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.10.1
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwikisas/xwiki-pro-macros/security/advisories/GHSA-cfq3-q227-7j65
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your XWiki instance. 2. Update Pro Macros extension to version 1.10.1 via XWiki Extension Manager or manual installation. 3. Restart XWiki application server. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable vulnerable macros
allTemporarily disable Viewpdf, Viewppt, and similar macros until patching can be completed
Edit XWiki configuration to remove or disable affected macro extensions
Restrict user permissions
allTighten access controls to limit who has view rights on CKEditor.HTMLConverter page and edit/comment rights
Review and modify XWiki page permissions through administration interface
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate XWiki instance from critical systems
- Enforce principle of least privilege for all user accounts and monitor for suspicious activity
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check Pro Macros extension version in XWiki Extension Manager or by examining installed extensions. Versions before 1.10.1 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check XWiki Extension Manager interface or examine extension files for version informationVerify Fix Applied:
Confirm Pro Macros extension version is 1.10.1 or later in XWiki Extension Manager and test macro functionality.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual macro execution patterns
- Suspicious file operations from XWiki process
- Unexpected system commands executed
Network Indicators:
- Outbound connections from XWiki to unexpected destinations
- Unusual data exfiltration patterns
SIEM Query:
Search for: 'Viewpdf macro execution' OR 'Viewppt macro execution' combined with suspicious command patterns or file access🔗 References
- https://github.com/xwikisas/xwiki-pro-macros/blob/main/xwiki-pro-macros-ui/src/main/resources/Confluence/Macros/Viewpdf.xml#L265-L267
- https://github.com/xwikisas/xwiki-pro-macros/commit/199553c84901999481a20614f093af2d57970eba
- https://github.com/xwikisas/xwiki-pro-macros/security/advisories/GHSA-cfq3-q227-7j65
