CVE-2025-65036
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2025-65036 is a critical vulnerability in XWiki Remote Macros that allows unauthenticated attackers to execute arbitrary code via Velocity templates. This affects XWiki instances using the Remote Macros extension prior to version 1.27.1. Attackers can gain full control of vulnerable systems.
💻 Affected Systems
- XWiki Remote Macros
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete system compromise with attacker gaining root/admin privileges, data exfiltration, ransomware deployment, and persistent backdoor installation.
Likely Case
Remote code execution leading to web shell installation, credential theft, and lateral movement within the network.
If Mitigated
Limited impact if network segmentation restricts access and monitoring detects exploitation attempts early.
🎯 Exploit Status
The advisory provides technical details that could be weaponized. Attackers need to craft malicious Velocity templates.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 1.27.1
Vendor Advisory: https://github.com/xwikisas/xwiki-pro-macros/security/advisories/GHSA-472x-fwh9-r82f
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup your XWiki instance. 2. Update Remote Macros extension to version 1.27.1 via XWiki Extension Manager or manual installation. 3. Restart XWiki service. 4. Verify the update was successful.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Disable Remote Macros Extension
allTemporarily disable the vulnerable extension until patching is possible
Navigate to XWiki Administration > Extensions > Installed Extensions, find 'Remote Macros' and disable it
Network Access Restriction
linuxRestrict access to XWiki instance to trusted IPs only
Configure firewall rules to allow only specific IP ranges to access XWiki ports (typically 8080, 8081)
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation to isolate XWiki from critical systems
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for suspicious macro execution attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check XWiki Administration > Extensions > Installed Extensions for Remote Macros version. If version is below 1.27.1, the system is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check XWiki web interface at Administration > Extensions or examine xwiki.cfg/xwiki.properties filesVerify Fix Applied:
Verify Remote Macros extension shows version 1.27.1 or higher in XWiki Extension Manager. Test that macros still function properly.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual Velocity template execution
- Suspicious macro calls from unexpected sources
- Error logs related to permission failures in macro execution
Network Indicators:
- Unusual outbound connections from XWiki server
- HTTP requests containing Velocity template code in parameters
SIEM Query:
source="xwiki.log" AND ("Velocity" OR "macro" OR "permission denied") AND NOT user="trusted_user"