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CVE-2025-51991: Server-Side Template Injection Vulnerability in XWiki’s Administration Interface

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Overview

The vulnerability, CVE-2025-51991, poses a significant security risk to XWiki systems running versions up to 17.3.0. Identified as a Server-Side Template Injection (SSTI) vulnerability, it lies in the Administration interface of XWiki’s Global Preferences Presentation section, more specifically within the HTTP Meta Info field. This vulnerability is significant because it could potentially lead to system compromise and data leakage. XWiki administrators and organizations utilizing XWiki need to be aware of this vulnerability and take the necessary steps to mitigate its potential impact.

Vulnerability Summary

CVE ID: CVE-2025-51991
Severity: High (8.8 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High (Administrator)
User Interaction: None
Impact: Potential system compromise and sensitive data leakage

Affected Products

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Product | Affected Versions

XWiki | Up to and including 17.3.0

How the Exploit Works

The vulnerability arises from the improper handling of dynamic template rendering within user-supplied configuration fields. When an authenticated administrator inserts crafted Apache Velocity template code into the HTTP Meta Info field, the server renders it without proper validation or sandboxing. This allows the execution of arbitrary template logic, which can expose internal server information or, in specific configurations, lead to further exploitation such as remote code execution or sensitive data leakage.

Conceptual Example Code

Here is a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited. This is a hypothetical HTTP POST request to the vulnerable endpoint containing malicious Apache Velocity template code:

POST /admin/globalPreferences HTTP/1.1
Host: target.xwiki.com
Content-Type: application/x-www-form-urlencoded
httpMetaInfo=${some_malicious_template}

In this example, “some_malicious_template” represents a crafted Apache Velocity template code that could exploit the SSTI vulnerability. This code would be executed server-side when the HTTP Meta Info field is rendered.

Mitigation Recommendations

Users are advised to apply the vendor patch as soon as possible to mitigate the vulnerability. In case of delay in applying the patch, using a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or an Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can serve as a temporary mitigation measure. Additionally, administrators should avoid entering untrusted data into the HTTP Meta Info field of the Global Preferences Presentation section.

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Disclaimer:

The information and code presented in this article are provided for educational and defensive cybersecurity purposes only. Any conceptual or pseudocode examples are simplified representations intended to raise awareness and promote secure development and system configuration practices.

Do not use this information to attempt unauthorized access or exploit vulnerabilities on systems that you do not own or have explicit permission to test.

Ameeba and its authors do not endorse or condone malicious behavior and are not responsible for misuse of the content. Always follow ethical hacking guidelines, responsible disclosure practices, and local laws.

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