Overview
Cybersecurity threats are a constant concern in the world of digital communications and database management. One such threat has recently been identified in the Wikimedia Foundation’s Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension, and it’s essential for users to be aware of this vulnerability and take the necessary steps to mitigate it. This security flaw, identified as CVE-2025-53501, is an Improper Access Control vulnerability. It arises from the system not adequately constraining authorization, potentially leaving the door open for unauthorized access and compromising the integrity of the system.
The severity of this vulnerability cannot be overstated. It affects a wide range of Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension versions, posing a potential threat to a significant user base. The potential consequences of this flaw are considerable, including system compromise and data leakage. Therefore, addressing this vulnerability should be a top priority for all affected users.
Vulnerability Summary
CVE ID: CVE-2025-53501
Severity: Critical (8.8 CVSS score)
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: None
User Interaction: None
Impact: System compromise and potential data leakage
Affected Products
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Product | Affected Versions
Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension | 1.39.X before 1.39.12
Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension | 1.42.X before 1.42.7
Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension | 1.43.X before 1.43.2
How the Exploit Works
The vulnerability lies within the access control mechanism of the Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension. Due to insufficient constraints on authorization, an attacker can potentially access areas or functions of the system that are meant to be restricted. This could allow the attacker to manipulate the system, gain unauthorized information, or even potentially compromise the system.
Conceptual Example Code
Here’s a conceptual example of how the vulnerability might be exploited:
GET /wiki/Special:AllPages HTTP/1.1
Host: target.example.com
Authorization: Bearer <token>
{ "malicious_payload": "..." }In this hypothetical scenario, an unauthorized user sends a request to access a restricted page, “Special:AllPages”. The malicious payload in the request might be crafted to exploit the improper access control vulnerability, potentially granting the attacker unauthorized system access.
Please note that this example is purely for illustrative purposes. The actual exploitation of this vulnerability would require a precise understanding of the system’s configuration and specific weaknesses that can be exploited.
Mitigation Guidance
The most effective solution to this vulnerability is to apply the vendor-provided patch. Users of Mediawiki – Scribunto Extension should upgrade to versions 1.39.12, 1.42.7, or 1.43.2 (or later), depending on their current version. In the interim, employing a Web Application Firewall (WAF) or Intrusion Detection System (IDS) can provide temporary mitigation.