CVE-2019-12467 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

MediaWiki through version 1.32.1 has an Incorrect Access Control vulnerability that allows spammers to exploit the Special:ChangeEmail feature, enabling them to send spam without restrictions. This issue has been resolved in versions 1.32.2, 1.31.2, 1.30.2, and 1.27.6.

Understanding CVE-2019-12467

This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in MediaWiki that affects versions up to 1.32.1.

What is CVE-2019-12467?

CVE-2019-12467 is an Incorrect Access Control vulnerability in MediaWiki that allows spammers to abuse the Special:ChangeEmail feature to send spam without any rate limiting or blocking capabilities.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12467

The vulnerability enables spammers to send out spam emails without any restrictions, potentially leading to abuse of the system and disruption of services.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12467

MediaWiki's security vulnerability is detailed below:

Vulnerability Description

The issue allows spammers to exploit the Special:ChangeEmail feature, bypassing rate limiting and blocking mechanisms.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected versions: Up to 1.32.1
Resolved versions: 1.32.2, 1.31.2, 1.30.2, and 1.27.6

Exploitation Mechanism

Spammers can abuse the Special:ChangeEmail feature to send spam emails without any restrictions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-12467, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update MediaWiki to versions 1.32.2, 1.31.2, 1.30.2, or 1.27.6 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor email activity for any signs of spam or abuse.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and rate limiting to prevent abuse of features.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by MediaWiki to ensure the security of the system.