Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension: Improper Authentication
CVE-2025-6926 is a high-severity improper authentication vulnerability in Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension from Wikimedia Foundation, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 8.8 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, but only if a user takes part, for example by opening a link or file. The record lists versions 1.39.13, 1.42.7, 1.43.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension to one of those releases or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 0.45% chance of exploitation within 30 days, which is low compared with other CVEs.
High severity with no evidence of exploitation so far.
What to do
- Update Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension to 1.39.13 or 1.42.7 or 1.43.2, whichever matches your release line, or a later version.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
- Because the attack needs a user to take part, warn users about unexpected links and files related to this product until it is patched.
Affected products and versions
| Vendor | Product | Affected versions | Fixed in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wikimedia Foundation | Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension | 1.39.x up to, but not including, 1.39.13; 1.42.x up to, but not including, 1.42.7; 1.43.x up to, but not including, 1.43.2 | 1.39.13, 1.42.7, 1.43.2 |
Version data comes from the organisation that assigned the CVE. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- RequiredA user must take an action such as opening a file or link.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- HighData or code can be modified at will.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H. Scored by CISA (ADP).
Official description
Improper Authentication vulnerability in Wikimedia Foundation Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension allows : Bypass Authentication.This issue affects Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension: from 1.39.X before 1.39.13, from 1.42.X before 1.42.7, from 1.43.X before 1.43.2.
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Improper Authentication
When an actor claims to have a given identity, the product does not prove or insufficiently proves that the claim is correct.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use an authentication framework or library such as the OWASP ESAPI Authentication feature.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: no, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Other references
Other vulnerabilities in Mediawiki - CentralAuth Extension
- 7.2 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 8.8 High severity
Recent Improper Authentication vulnerabilities
- 8.8 High severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 8.8 High severity
- 10.0 Critical severity
- 9.6 Critical severity
- 9.8 Critical severity
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