CVE-2024-31982 Overview
CVE-2024-31982 is a critical remote code execution vulnerability affecting XWiki Platform, a popular open-source enterprise wiki platform. The vulnerability exists in XWiki's database search functionality, which allows attackers to execute arbitrary code through malicious search text input. This flaw has been present since version 2.4-milestone-1 and affects all subsequent versions prior to the patched releases.
The vulnerability is particularly severe because the database search feature is accessible to all users by default, including unauthenticated visitors on public wikis. This means any remote attacker can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any authentication or user interaction, enabling complete compromise of the affected XWiki installation.
Critical Impact
Unauthenticated remote code execution allowing complete compromise of XWiki installations, affecting confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all wiki data and the underlying server.
Affected Products
- XWiki Platform versions 2.4-milestone-1 through 14.10.19
- XWiki Platform versions 15.0 through 15.5.3
- XWiki Platform versions 15.6 through 15.9.x
Discovery Timeline
- April 10, 2024 - CVE-2024-31982 published to NVD
- September 25, 2025 - Last updated in NVD database
Technical Details for CVE-2024-31982
Vulnerability Analysis
This vulnerability is classified under CWE-94 (Improper Control of Generation of Code) and CWE-95 (Improper Neutralization of Directives in Dynamically Evaluated Code). The flaw allows attackers to inject and execute arbitrary code through the database search functionality of XWiki Platform.
The database search feature, accessible via the Main.DatabaseSearch page, fails to properly sanitize user-supplied search text before processing it. This lack of input validation allows attackers to inject malicious code that gets executed on the server side with the privileges of the XWiki application.
What makes this vulnerability exceptionally dangerous is its accessibility—by default, the database search feature is available to all users, including anonymous visitors on public-facing wikis. This eliminates the need for any authentication, making mass exploitation trivial for attackers scanning for vulnerable XWiki instances.
Root Cause
The root cause of this vulnerability lies in improper input validation and neutralization within the database search functionality. The Main.DatabaseSearch page processes user-supplied search queries without adequately sanitizing or escaping special characters and code directives. This allows attackers to craft search inputs containing executable code that bypasses the expected search logic and instead triggers code evaluation on the server.
The vulnerability demonstrates a classic code injection pattern where user input is dynamically incorporated into executable contexts without proper sanitization, allowing the attacker's payload to be interpreted and executed as legitimate code rather than treated as data.
Attack Vector
The attack vector for CVE-2024-31982 is network-based and requires no authentication or user interaction. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by:
- Identifying a vulnerable XWiki instance (versions 2.4-milestone-1 through unpatched versions)
- Navigating to the database search functionality at Main.DatabaseSearch
- Submitting a crafted search query containing malicious code injection payload
- The server processes the malicious input and executes the attacker's code
The vulnerability can be exploited through a web browser or automated scripts, making it suitable for mass exploitation campaigns. Successful exploitation grants the attacker the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the underlying server, potentially leading to data theft, ransomware deployment, lateral movement, or complete system takeover.
For technical details on the exploitation mechanism, refer to the GitHub Security Advisory and the Vicarius CVE-2024-31982 Analysis.
Detection Methods for CVE-2024-31982
Indicators of Compromise
- Unusual or malformed requests to the Main.DatabaseSearch endpoint containing script injection patterns
- Unexpected processes spawned by the XWiki application server (Java/Tomcat)
- Web server logs showing access to Main.DatabaseSearch with encoded or obfuscated payloads
- Evidence of data exfiltration or unauthorized file system access originating from the XWiki process
Detection Strategies
- Monitor web application firewall (WAF) logs for requests to Main.DatabaseSearch containing code injection patterns such as Groovy, Velocity, or shell command syntax
- Implement intrusion detection system (IDS) rules to alert on suspicious search query patterns targeting XWiki endpoints
- Deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to identify anomalous process execution chains originating from the XWiki application
- Conduct regular vulnerability scans specifically targeting XWiki installations to identify unpatched instances
Monitoring Recommendations
- Enable detailed access logging for all requests to XWiki search-related endpoints
- Configure alerting for any child processes spawned by the XWiki/Tomcat service that deviate from normal operation
- Implement network traffic analysis to detect potential data exfiltration following exploitation attempts
- Review XWiki application logs for error messages or exceptions that may indicate exploitation attempts
How to Mitigate CVE-2024-31982
Immediate Actions Required
- Upgrade XWiki Platform to version 14.10.20, 15.5.4, or 15.10-rc-1 or later immediately
- If immediate patching is not possible, apply the workaround by manually patching or removing the Main.DatabaseSearch page
- Audit XWiki access logs for any signs of prior exploitation
- Consider temporarily restricting access to the Main.DatabaseSearch page until patching is complete
Patch Information
XWiki has released security patches addressing this vulnerability in versions 14.10.20, 15.5.4, and 15.10RC1. Organizations should upgrade to these versions or later as soon as possible. The patches are available through the following commits:
Additional details are available in the XWiki JIRA Issue and the GitHub Security Advisory.
Workarounds
- Manually apply the security patch to the Main.DatabaseSearch page by following the commit changes
- Delete the Main.DatabaseSearch page entirely if database search is not explicitly used by your organization (note: this is not the default search interface of XWiki)
- Implement WAF rules to block requests to the Main.DatabaseSearch endpoint containing suspicious patterns
- Restrict access to the XWiki instance to trusted networks only until patching can be completed
# Example: Restrict access to DatabaseSearch via web server configuration (Apache)
# Add to your Apache virtual host configuration
<Location "/xwiki/bin/view/Main/DatabaseSearch">
Require ip 192.168.1.0/24
# Or deny all access temporarily:
# Require all denied
</Location>
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
