CVE-2025-49581
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in XWiki allows users with edit rights on any page (including their own profile) to execute arbitrary code with programming rights by manipulating wiki macro parameters. Attackers can achieve remote code execution with full access to the XWiki installation. All XWiki instances with versions before the patched releases are affected.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki
📦 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
Full compromise of the XWiki installation allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code, access/modify all data, install backdoors, and pivot to other systems.
Likely Case
Privilege escalation from regular user to administrator-level access, leading to data theft, configuration changes, and persistence mechanisms.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if proper access controls restrict edit rights and macro usage, but still significant risk from authorized users.
🎯 Exploit Status
Exploitation requires authenticated user with edit rights. The vulnerability is well-documented in the advisory with clear attack vectors.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 16.4.7, 16.10.3, or 17.0.0
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwiki/xwiki-platform/security/advisories/GHSA-9875-cw22-f7cx
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your XWiki installation and database. 2. Download and install XWiki 16.4.7, 16.10.3, or 17.0.0 from xwiki.org. 3. Follow the XWiki upgrade documentation for your specific version. 4. Restart the application server. 5. Verify the fix by checking the version.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Restrict Macro Usage
allDisable or restrict wiki macro usage for non-administrative users
Configure XWiki rights to restrict macro usage through XWiki administration interface
Limit Edit Rights
allRestrict page edit rights to trusted users only
Review and modify page permissions in XWiki to minimize edit access
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Immediately restrict all user edit rights to essential personnel only
- Disable all script macros (Groovy, Python, Velocity) through XWiki administration
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki version. If version is below 16.4.7, 16.10.3, or 17.0.0, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check XWiki footer or administration panel for version, or examine web application files for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
After patching, verify version is 16.4.7, 16.10.3, or 17.0.0 or higher. Test macro functionality to ensure default parameter execution works correctly.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual macro creation/modification events
- Script macro executions from non-administrative users
- Multiple failed macro parameter attempts
Network Indicators:
- POST requests to macro editing endpoints from unexpected users
- Unusual traffic patterns to script execution endpoints
SIEM Query:
source="xwiki" AND (event="macro_edit" OR event="script_execution") AND user!="admin"