Privilege Escalation in LeafWiki User Update API

Executive Summary

LeafWiki versions 0.1.0 through 0.10.0 have a privilege escalation vulnerability in the user update API. An authenticated user can update their own account role to escalate privileges from a regular user like viewer to admin. Exploitation requires a valid authenticated account.

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Detection Guidance

To detect this vulnerability, check for unauthorized privilege escalation attempts in LeafWiki logs. Look for API calls to the user update endpoint where a regular user (e.g., viewer) attempts to modify their role to admin. Review user role changes in the database or admin panel for suspicious activity.

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Impact Analysis

An attacker with a valid account could gain admin privileges, allowing them to modify wiki content, access sensitive data, or perform administrative actions. Instances with public registration or untrusted users are at higher risk.

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Compliance Impact

This vulnerability could potentially violate compliance with standards like GDPR and HIPAA by allowing unauthorized privilege escalation. If an attacker gains admin access, they may exfiltrate or manipulate sensitive data, which is a direct violation of data protection requirements under these regulations.

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Mitigation Strategies

Immediately update LeafWiki to version 0.10.1 or later. If updating is not possible, restrict account creation to trusted users only and disable public registration. Limit access to the user update API to administrators or trusted users. Review all user roles for unauthorized changes.

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