CVE-2025-48063 is an improper authorization vulnerability (CWE-285) affecting the XWiki platform, specifically versions from 16.10.0-rc-1 up to but not including 16.10.4, and 17.0.0-rc-1 up to but not including 17.1.0-rc-1. XWiki introduced a security feature called "required rights" in version 16.10.0 to restrict which rights a document can have, ensuring that users without a specific right cannot assign that right as a required right on a document. This mechanism is designed to prevent privilege escalation via document editing. However, a bug in the enforcement logic allows any user with edit rights on a document to set the "programming right" as a required right. Consequently, if a user with programming rights edits that document, the document content gains programming rights, enabling remote code execution (RCE). This flaw effectively bypasses the intended security model of required rights, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary code on the server hosting the XWiki instance. Despite the severity of gaining programming rights, the vulnerability's impact is considered low in practice because it requires that all documents enforce required rights—a feature not enabled by default and lacking a UI in affected versions, making it unlikely to be widely used for security. Additionally, the platform warns users with programming rights about dangerous content unless the attacker bypasses this check. The vulnerability has been patched in versions 16.10.4 and 17.1.0-rc-1. No known workarounds exist other than upgrading. The CVSS 4.0 base score is 4.8 (medium), reflecting network attack vector, low complexity, low privileges required, and user interaction needed, with limited confidentiality, integrity, and availability impact due to the conditional nature of exploitation.

For European organizations using vulnerable versions of XWiki, this vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized privilege escalation leading to remote code execution on the wiki server. This could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code, potentially leading to data theft, data manipulation, or disruption of services hosted on the same infrastructure. However, the practical impact is mitigated by the requirement that all documents enforce required rights, a feature not commonly enabled or configured in affected versions. Organizations relying heavily on XWiki for internal or external collaboration could face confidentiality and integrity risks if exploited. Additionally, the presence of remote code execution capabilities could be leveraged as a foothold for lateral movement within networks. Given the medium CVSS score and the conditional exploitation path, the threat is moderate but should not be ignored, especially in environments where XWiki is used for sensitive documentation or integrated with other critical systems.

The primary and most effective mitigation is to upgrade affected XWiki instances to version 16.10.4 or later, or 17.1.0-rc-1 or later, where the vulnerability is patched. Since no workarounds are available, organizations should prioritize patching. Additionally, organizations should audit their XWiki configurations to verify whether the required rights enforcement feature is enabled and assess the permissions granted to users, especially those with programming rights. Limiting the number of users with programming rights and restricting edit permissions on sensitive documents can reduce the attack surface. Monitoring and logging user activities related to document editing and rights assignment can help detect suspicious behavior. Network segmentation and application-layer firewalls can also limit exposure of the XWiki platform to untrusted networks. Finally, organizations should review their incident response plans to include scenarios involving potential exploitation of wiki platform vulnerabilities.