Security audits

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  1. Security Audits

A security audit is a systematic evaluation of the security of a system to identify vulnerabilities and ensure compliance with security policies and regulations. In the context of a MediaWiki installation, a security audit is a critical process for protecting sensitive information, maintaining the integrity of the wiki, and ensuring a positive user experience. This article provides a comprehensive overview of security audits for MediaWiki, aimed at beginners, covering its importance, types, process, tools, and continuous improvement.

Why are Security Audits Important for MediaWiki?

MediaWiki installations, particularly those containing sensitive information (e.g., internal documentation, private forums, personal data), are prime targets for malicious actors. Without regular security audits, a wiki can become vulnerable to a variety of attacks, including:

  • Data Breaches: Unauthorized access to and exfiltration of sensitive data stored within the wiki.
  • Defacement: Alteration of wiki content, leading to reputational damage and loss of trust.
  • Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks: Overwhelming the wiki server with traffic, making it unavailable to legitimate users.
  • Malware Injection: Introduction of malicious code into the wiki, potentially compromising users' systems.
  • Account Takeover: Gaining unauthorized access to user accounts, allowing attackers to impersonate legitimate users.
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Injecting malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users.
  • SQL Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in database queries to gain unauthorized access to the database.

Regular security audits help identify and mitigate these risks, protecting the wiki and its users. Furthermore, audits are often required for compliance with industry regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI DSS, depending on the nature of the data stored within the wiki. Failing to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines and legal repercussions. A strong security posture also builds trust with users and stakeholders.

Types of Security Audits

Security audits can be categorized based on their scope and methodology. Here are some common types:

  • Vulnerability Assessment: This is the most common type of audit, focusing on identifying known vulnerabilities in the MediaWiki software, its extensions, the server operating system, and related infrastructure. It often involves using automated scanning tools and manual testing.
  • Penetration Testing (Pen Testing): A more aggressive form of audit where security professionals attempt to exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the system. Pen testing simulates real-world attacks and provides a more realistic assessment of security risks. Penetration testing strategies are crucial for effective results.
  • Security Configuration Review: This audit focuses on verifying that the MediaWiki installation and its server environment are configured according to security best practices. It checks settings related to user access control, file permissions, database security, and network configuration.
  • Code Review: Involves examining the source code of MediaWiki itself, any installed extensions, and custom code to identify potential vulnerabilities and security flaws. This requires specialized expertise in software security.
  • Web Application Firewall (WAF) Audit: If a WAF is used to protect the MediaWiki installation, this audit verifies that the WAF is properly configured and effectively blocking malicious traffic. WAF configuration, WAF rule sets, and WAF bypass techniques are key considerations.
  • Log Analysis: Examining server logs, MediaWiki logs, and security logs to identify suspicious activity and potential security incidents. Log management strategies, SIEM solutions, and threat intelligence feeds are essential tools.
  • Compliance Audit: Verifies that the MediaWiki installation meets the requirements of relevant security standards and regulations.

The Security Audit Process

A typical security audit process for a MediaWiki installation involves the following steps:

1. Planning and Scoping: Define the scope of the audit, including the systems to be assessed, the types of tests to be performed, and the objectives of the audit. Consider the sensitivity of the data stored within the wiki. 2. Information Gathering: Collect information about the MediaWiki installation, including its version, installed extensions, server configuration, network topology, and user accounts. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) techniques can be used to gather publicly available information. 3. Vulnerability Scanning: Use automated scanning tools to identify known vulnerabilities. Popular tools include: 

   * Nikto: A web server scanner that identifies potentially dangerous files/CGIs, outdated server software, and other problems. Nikto documentation
   * OWASP ZAP: A free, open-source web application security scanner. OWASP ZAP website
   * Nessus: A vulnerability scanner that identifies vulnerabilities in operating systems, applications, and network devices. Nessus documentation

4. Manual Testing: Supplement automated scanning with manual testing to identify vulnerabilities that automated tools may miss. This includes testing for XSS, SQL injection, and other common web application vulnerabilities. Manual testing methodologies are crucial. 5. Exploitation (Penetration Testing): Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to the system. This step should only be performed by qualified security professionals and with explicit permission. Penetration testing frameworks like Metasploit can be used. 6. Analysis and Reporting: Analyze the results of the vulnerability scanning and penetration testing, and prepare a detailed report outlining the identified vulnerabilities, their severity, and recommended remediation steps. Report writing best practices are important for clarity and actionability. 7. Remediation: Implement the recommended remediation steps to address the identified vulnerabilities. This may involve updating software, patching vulnerabilities, configuring security settings, or modifying code. 8. Verification: Re-test the system after remediation to verify that the vulnerabilities have been successfully addressed.

Tools for Security Audits

Beyond the vulnerability scanners mentioned above, several other tools can be helpful for conducting security audits:

Common Vulnerabilities in MediaWiki Installations

  • Outdated Software: Running an outdated version of MediaWiki or its extensions is a major security risk. Always keep the software up to date with the latest security patches.
  • Weak Passwords: Users with weak passwords are vulnerable to account takeover. Enforce strong password policies and consider implementing multi-factor authentication. Password strength indicators
  • Unprotected System Files: Ensure that system files are properly protected with appropriate file permissions.
  • Improperly Configured Access Control: Restrict access to sensitive data and functionality based on user roles and permissions. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) Vulnerabilities: Carefully sanitize user input to prevent malicious scripts from being injected into the wiki. XSS prevention techniques
  • SQL Injection Vulnerabilities: Use parameterized queries or prepared statements to prevent SQL injection attacks. SQL injection mitigation strategies
  • Extension Vulnerabilities: Ensure that all installed extensions are from trusted sources and are regularly updated. Extension security best practices
  • Default Configurations: Change default configurations, such as default administrator accounts and passwords. Secure configuration guidelines

Continuous Improvement and Ongoing Security

A security audit is not a one-time event. It should be part of an ongoing security program that includes:

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect your MediaWiki installation. Remember that security is a continuous process, not a destination. Proactive security measures and ongoing vigilance are essential for maintaining a secure and reliable wiki. Security trends in web applications are constantly evolving, so continuous learning is vital. Understanding attack vectors is also key to proactive defense. Analyzing security metrics provides insight into the effectiveness of security controls.


Main Page Help:Contents Manual:Configuration Extension:SecurityCenter Manual:Upgrading MediaWiki Security Administering MediaWiki Developing MediaWiki extensions Advanced Topics MediaWiki FAQ

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