CVE-2020-29004 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The API in the Push extension for MediaWiki through version 1.35 had a vulnerability that allowed for a CSRF attack due to the lack of an edit token requirement.

Understanding CVE-2020-29004

This CVE entry describes a security issue in the Push extension for MediaWiki that could be exploited for a CSRF attack.

What is CVE-2020-29004?

The vulnerability in the Push extension for MediaWiki through version 1.35 allowed attackers to perform CSRF attacks by bypassing the edit token requirement in ApiPushBase.php.

The Impact of CVE-2020-29004

The absence of the edit token requirement in the API of the Push extension for MediaWiki could lead to unauthorized actions being performed by attackers through CSRF attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-29004

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE-2020-29004 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in ApiPushBase.php of the Push extension for MediaWiki through version 1.35 enabled a CSRF attack by not enforcing the edit token requirement.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: MediaWiki
Vendor: Wikimedia
Versions affected: All versions through 1.35

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted requests to the API without the need for a valid edit token, allowing them to perform unauthorized actions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the CVE-2020-29004 vulnerability, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply the necessary patches provided by the vendor.
Monitor and restrict API access to trusted sources.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement proper CSRF protection mechanisms in web applications.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that you update the Push extension for MediaWiki to a version that includes the fix for the CSRF vulnerability.