CVE-2025-51990
📋 TL;DR
Authenticated administrators in XWiki can inject malicious JavaScript into administration interface fields, which then executes persistently in visitors' browsers. This affects all XWiki instances up to version 17.3.0, allowing attackers to steal sessions, credentials, or perform unauthorized actions.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki
📦 What is this software?
Xwiki by Xwiki
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of the XWiki instance through session hijacking, credential theft leading to further system compromise, and potential data exfiltration.
Likely Case
Session hijacking and credential theft from users visiting affected pages, enabling unauthorized administrative actions or data access.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if administrator accounts are properly secured and monitored, though stored XSS still presents persistent risk.
🎯 Exploit Status
Requires administrator credentials but payload execution requires no user interaction beyond page visits.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 17.3.1 or later
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/malcxlmj/cve-writeups/blob/main/CVE-2025-51990.md
Restart Required: No
Instructions:
1. Upgrade XWiki to version 17.3.1 or later. 2. Verify the patch is applied by checking version. 3. No restart required for XWiki.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Input Validation
allImplement custom input validation for HTTP Meta Info, Footer Copyright, and Footer Version fields to sanitize JavaScript content.
Output Encoding
allApply proper output encoding in templates rendering these fields to neutralize JavaScript execution.
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Restrict administrator account access and implement strong authentication controls.
- Monitor administrator activities and audit changes to Global Preferences panel fields.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki version via administration interface or configuration files. Versions ≤17.3.0 are vulnerable.Check Version:
Check XWiki version in administration dashboard or via xwiki.properties file.Verify Fix Applied:
Verify XWiki version is ≥17.3.1 and test that JavaScript injection in Global Preferences fields is properly sanitized.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual administrator activity modifying Global Preferences fields
- JavaScript payloads in HTTP Meta Info, Footer Copyright, or Footer Version fields
Network Indicators:
- Unexpected JavaScript execution in page responses containing footer or meta information
SIEM Query:
Search for XSS payload patterns in XWiki administration logs or web application firewall alerts.