CVE-2024-56158
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability allows authenticated XWiki users to execute arbitrary SQL queries on Oracle databases through unsanitized DBMS_XMLGEN and DBMS_XMLQUERY functions in HQL queries. This affects XWiki instances using Oracle databases where users have query execution permissions. The vulnerability enables SQL injection attacks that can lead to data manipulation, exfiltration, or full database compromise.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki
📦 What is this software?
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
Xwiki by Xwiki
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Full database compromise including data exfiltration, modification, or deletion; potential privilege escalation to database administrator; complete loss of data integrity and confidentiality.
Likely Case
Data exfiltration from the XWiki database, including user credentials, sensitive content, and configuration data; potential lateral movement to other database systems.
If Mitigated
Limited data exposure from the XWiki schema if proper database user permissions are configured with minimal privileges.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated access to XWiki with query execution permissions; SQL injection is straightforward once authenticated.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 16.10.2, 16.4.7, or 15.10.16
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-prwh-7838-xf82
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Identify your XWiki version. 2. Upgrade to 16.10.2 (latest stable), 16.4.7 (LTS), or 15.10.16 (older LTS) based on your current version. 3. Restart the XWiki application server. 4. Verify the patch is applied by checking the version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Database User Permission Restriction
allRestrict the database user account used by XWiki to have minimal necessary permissions, preventing execution of dangerous Oracle functions.
REVOKE EXECUTE ON DBMS_XMLGEN FROM xwiki_user;
REVOKE EXECUTE ON DBMS_XMLQUERY FROM xwiki_user;
Application Firewall Rules
allImplement WAF rules to block queries containing DBMS_XMLGEN or DBMS_XMLQUERY function calls.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately restrict database user permissions to prevent execution of DBMS_XMLGEN and DBMS_XMLQUERY functions.
- Implement network segmentation to isolate the XWiki server from other critical systems and databases.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki version via Admin interface or by examining the application files; versions before 16.10.2, 16.4.7, and 15.10.16 are vulnerable if using Oracle database.Check Version:
Check via XWiki Admin interface or examine WEB-INF/lib/xwiki-platform-*.jar version in installation directory.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify the XWiki version shows 16.10.2, 16.4.7, or 15.10.16 after upgrade; test that HQL queries with DBMS_XMLGEN/DBMS_XMLQUERY functions are now properly sanitized or blocked.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual SQL queries in database logs containing DBMS_XMLGEN or DBMS_XMLQUERY functions
- Multiple failed login attempts followed by complex query execution
- Unexpected database schema changes or data access patterns
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound database connections from XWiki server
- Large data transfers from database to unexpected destinations
SIEM Query:
source="database_logs" AND ("DBMS_XMLGEN" OR "DBMS_XMLQUERY") AND source_ip="xwiki_server_ip"