Wikipedia API Content-Security-Policy Bypass Scanner

The Wikipedia API is widely used in web applications to integrate Wikipedia's vast content into their platforms. It is predominantly utilized by developers and companies seeking to enrich their web applications with reliable information. The API allows developers to perform various operations, such as searches and content retrieval, in Wikipedia's database. Companies leverage this capability to offer their users quick access to comprehensive information. It is crucial for educational platforms, media services, and information-centric websites. Proper security protocols are essential when integrating the Wikipedia API to prevent vulnerabilities.

The current scanner identifies a specific vulnerability related to the bypassing of Content-Security-Policy (CSP) in the Wikipedia API. This vulnerability allows attackers to inject malicious scripts through the API, exploiting XSS vulnerabilities. CSP is designed to prevent such injection attacks, but improper configurations may leave a system vulnerable. This situation may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or site defacement. The bypass issue is particularly concerning for developers using the Wikipedia API in their applications without strict CSP settings. Keeping CSP configurations updated and reviewed is vital for maintaining security integrity.

Technical details of the vulnerability involve exploiting endpoints that do not enforce strict CSP rules. By injecting scripts into the API, attackers can execute malicious scripts in the context of the victim's browser. The vulnerable parameter is typically found in the query section of API requests, where attackers replace parameters with encoded scripts. The scanner specifically targets these sections to reveal weaknesses. The presence of "Content-Security-Policy" and "wikipedia.org" in headers can indicate a vulnerability. This exploitation method highlights the importance of having robust CSP configurations and regular security reviews, particularly in publicly accessible APIs.

The exploitation of a CSP bypass vulnerability can lead to significant security compromises. Attackers can execute arbitrary scripts, resulting in data theft, unauthorized data manipulation, and phishing attacks. There is a risk of compromised session cookies, allowing attackers to impersonate users. In severe cases, website defacement or complete takeover may occur. It can also diminish user trust and lead to reputational damage. Companies failing to secure their API endpoints against such vulnerabilities might face legal consequences and financial losses.

REFERENCES

• https://github.com/renniepak/CSPBypass/blob/main/data.tsv