CVE-2020-12051 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

The CentralAuth extension through REL1_34 for MediaWiki has a vulnerability that allows remote attackers to access sensitive hidden account information.

Understanding CVE-2020-12051

This CVE involves a security issue in the CentralAuth extension for MediaWiki that can be exploited by attackers to retrieve sensitive data.

What is CVE-2020-12051?

The vulnerability in the CentralAuth extension for MediaWiki enables remote attackers to obtain hidden account information through a specific API request.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12051

The vulnerability allows attackers to access sensitive account information that would normally be restricted, posing a risk to user privacy and security.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12051

The technical aspects of the CVE provide insight into the nature of the vulnerability and its implications.

Vulnerability Description

The CentralAuth extension through REL1_34 for MediaWiki allows attackers to retrieve sensitive hidden account information via a specific API request, bypassing normal access restrictions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending a crafted request to the API, enabling them to access sensitive account information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-12051 requires immediate actions and long-term security measures.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or restrict access to the affected API endpoints.
Monitor and analyze API requests for suspicious activity.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch the CentralAuth extension and MediaWiki software.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that the CentralAuth extension and MediaWiki software are kept up to date with the latest security patches and fixes.