Security Enhancement

1. Security Enhancement for MediaWiki

1. 1. Introduction

MediaWiki, the free and open-source wiki software powering projects like Wikipedia, is a robust and versatile platform. However, its popularity also makes it a target for malicious actors. Maintaining the security of a MediaWiki installation is paramount to protect sensitive information, prevent vandalism, and ensure the continuity of the wiki's operations. This article provides a comprehensive guide to security enhancement for MediaWiki, geared towards beginners and administrators looking to strengthen their wiki's defenses. We will cover a wide range of topics, from basic configuration to advanced security measures, including regular maintenance, user permissions, and protection against common attacks.

1. 1. Understanding the Threat Landscape

Before diving into specific security measures, it's crucial to understand the types of threats facing MediaWiki installations. These can be broadly categorized as follows:

• **Cross-Site Scripting (XSS):** Exploiting vulnerabilities in the wiki's code to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users. This can lead to session hijacking, data theft, or defacement. [1](OWASP Top Ten) provides a comprehensive overview of web application vulnerabilities, including XSS.
• **SQL Injection:** Injecting malicious SQL code into database queries, potentially allowing attackers to access, modify, or delete data.
• **Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF):** Tricking authenticated users into performing unintended actions on the wiki.
• **Brute-Force Attacks:** Repeatedly attempting to guess usernames and passwords. [2](Akamai's explanation of Brute Force Attacks) provides more details.
• **File Upload Vulnerabilities:** Exploiting vulnerabilities in the file upload process to upload malicious files, such as web shells.
• **Denial-of-Service (DoS) / Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks:** Overwhelming the wiki server with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users. [3](Cloudflare's DDoS explanation) is a useful resource.
• **Vandalism:** Maliciously editing wiki pages to deface or disrupt the wiki.
• **Exploitation of Known Vulnerabilities:** Taking advantage of security flaws in MediaWiki core code or installed extensions. Regularly checking for and applying security updates is vital. [4](MITRE CVE database) tracks known vulnerabilities.
• **Social Engineering:** Manipulating users into revealing sensitive information or performing actions that compromise security.

1. 1. Basic Security Configuration

The foundation of a secure MediaWiki installation lies in proper initial configuration.

• **Secure Installation Directory:** Ensure the `$wgScriptPath` and `$wgUploadPath` are outside the web server's document root if possible. This prevents direct access to PHP files and uploaded content.
• **`LocalSettings.php` Protection:** This file contains sensitive configuration information. Ensure it is not publicly accessible. Restrict access using your web server's configuration (e.g., `.htaccess` for Apache).
• **Database Security:** Use a strong password for the MediaWiki database user. Restrict the database user's permissions to only those necessary for MediaWiki to function. Implement regular database backups.
• **`$wgSecretKey`:** This key is crucial for generating secure hashes and should be a long, randomly generated string. Change it regularly.
• **`$wgMainCacheType`:** Using a caching mechanism like Memcached or Redis can improve performance and reduce the load on the database, indirectly contributing to security by making the wiki less susceptible to DoS attacks. [5](Memcached official site) and [6](Redis official site) provide information about these technologies.
• **Error Reporting:** Disable detailed error reporting in a production environment. Detailed error messages can reveal sensitive information to attackers. Set `$wgShowExceptionDetails` to `false`.
• **HTTPS:** Enable HTTPS to encrypt communication between the wiki server and users' browsers. This protects against eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. Use a valid SSL/TLS certificate. [7](Let's Encrypt) offers free SSL/TLS certificates.

1. 1. User Account Security

• **Strong Password Policy:** Enforce a strong password policy, requiring users to choose passwords that are long, complex, and unique. Consider using an extension like SecureSignup to enforce this.
• **Account Creation Restrictions:** Limit who can create accounts. Enable email confirmation for new accounts. Consider using CAPTCHAs or other anti-bot measures to prevent automated account creation.
• **User Groups and Permissions:** Carefully manage user groups and permissions. Grant users only the minimum necessary privileges. The Administrator's handbook provides detailed information on user rights management.
• **Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):** Implement 2FA to add an extra layer of security to user accounts. Extensions like OAuth2 can facilitate 2FA integration. [8](Twilio Authy) is a 2FA provider.
• **Regular Account Audits:** Periodically review user accounts and remove inactive or unauthorized accounts.

1. 1. Extension Security

Extensions can add functionality to MediaWiki, but they can also introduce security vulnerabilities.

• **Only Install Trusted Extensions:** Only install extensions from reputable sources, such as the MediaWiki Extension Directory.
• **Keep Extensions Updated:** Regularly update extensions to the latest versions to patch security vulnerabilities.
• **Review Extension Code:** If possible, review the code of extensions before installing them to identify potential security risks.
• **Disable Unused Extensions:** Disable any extensions that are not actively used.
• **Extension Security Audits:** Consider performing security audits of critical extensions. [9](Snyk) and [10](Veracode) offer security scanning services.

1. 1. Protecting Against Common Attacks

• **XSS Protection:** MediaWiki has built-in XSS protection mechanisms. Ensure these are enabled. Regularly sanitize user input to prevent malicious code from being injected.
• **CSRF Protection:** MediaWiki also includes CSRF protection. Ensure it is enabled.
• **SQL Injection Prevention:** Use parameterized queries or prepared statements when interacting with the database to prevent SQL injection attacks. MediaWiki's database abstraction layer helps with this.
• **File Upload Security:** Restrict the types of files that can be uploaded. Scan uploaded files for viruses and malware. Store uploaded files outside the web server's document root. [11](VirusTotal) is a useful resource for scanning files.
• **Anti-Vandalism Measures:** Implement anti-vandalism measures, such as FlaggedRevisions and AbuseFilter. Configure the abuse filter to detect and prevent common vandalism patterns.
• **Rate Limiting:** Implement rate limiting to prevent brute-force attacks and DoS attacks. Web server modules like `mod_evasive` (Apache) and `ngx_http_limit_req_module` (Nginx) can be used for this purpose. [12](Nginx rate limiting guide) provides an example.
• **Web Application Firewall (WAF):** Consider using a WAF to protect against a wide range of web attacks. [13](Imperva) and [14](Sucuri) offer WAF services.

1. 1. Regular Maintenance and Monitoring

• **Regular Backups:** Perform regular backups of the MediaWiki installation, including the code, database, and uploaded files. Store backups in a secure location.
• **Security Updates:** Apply security updates to MediaWiki core code and extensions as soon as they are released. Subscribe to security mailing lists to stay informed about new vulnerabilities. [15](MediaWiki Announcements list) is a key resource.
• **Log Monitoring:** Monitor MediaWiki's logs for suspicious activity. Analyze logs for failed login attempts, unusual file access patterns, and other indicators of compromise. Tools like ELK Stack can help with log analysis. [16](Elastic ELK Stack) offers log management and analysis solutions.
• **Vulnerability Scanning:** Periodically scan the MediaWiki installation for vulnerabilities using automated vulnerability scanners. [17](Qualys) and [18](Tenable) provide vulnerability scanning services.
• **Performance Monitoring:** Monitor server performance. Unexpected changes can indicate a compromise. Tools like New Relic can assist. [19](New Relic) provides application performance monitoring.

1. 1. Advanced Security Considerations

• **Chrooting:** Chrooting the MediaWiki installation can isolate it from the rest of the system, limiting the damage that can be caused by a successful attack.
• **Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux):** SELinux can provide mandatory access control, further restricting the permissions of the MediaWiki process.
• **Intrusion Detection System (IDS):** An IDS can detect malicious activity on the wiki server.
• **Regular Security Audits:** Engage a security professional to perform regular security audits of the MediaWiki installation. [20](SANS Institute) provides security training and certifications.
• **Threat Intelligence Feeds:** Integrate threat intelligence feeds to stay informed about emerging threats and vulnerabilities. [21](AlienVault OTX) is a threat intelligence platform.

1. 1. Staying Informed

The security landscape is constantly evolving. It's essential to stay informed about the latest threats and vulnerabilities.

• **MediaWiki Security Pages:** Regularly check the official MediaWiki security pages for updates and advisories: [22](MediaWiki Security).
• **Security Mailing Lists:** Subscribe to security mailing lists to receive notifications about new vulnerabilities.
• **Security Blogs and News Sources:** Follow security blogs and news sources to stay informed about the latest security trends. [23](Threatpost) and [24](The Hacker News) are good resources.
• **Security Conferences:** Attend security conferences to learn from experts and network with other security professionals. [25](Black Hat) and [26](DEF CON) are well-known security conferences.
• **Penetration Testing:** Hire ethical hackers to perform regular penetration tests on your wiki. This can help identify vulnerabilities before malicious actors do. [27](PortSwigger Web Security Academy) offers resources for web security testing.

By implementing these security measures and staying informed about the latest threats, you can significantly reduce the risk of a security breach and ensure the long-term stability and integrity of your MediaWiki installation. Remember that security is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and adaptation are crucial to maintaining a secure wiki environment.

Security Administrators handbook Extensions AbuseFilter FlaggedRevisions OAuth2 SecureSignup

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