CVE-2019-16915 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability was found in pfSense version 2.4.4-p3 where the widgetkey parameter is used without proper sanitization in the picture.widget.php file, potentially leading to security issues.

Understanding CVE-2019-16915

This CVE identifies a security flaw in pfSense version 2.4.4-p3 that could be exploited by attackers.

What is CVE-2019-16915?

This vulnerability arises from the improper handling of the widgetkey parameter in the picture.widget.php file within the widgets directory of pfSense version 2.4.4-p3.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16915

Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow malicious actors to manipulate file pathnames, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16915

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue stems from the direct use of the widgetkey parameter without proper sanitization, such as a basename call, when providing a file pathname to file_get_contents or file_put_contents functions.

Affected Systems and Versions

System: pfSense version 2.4.4-p3
Widget: picture.widget.php

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the widgetkey parameter to execute unauthorized file operations.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16915 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update pfSense to a patched version that addresses the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and sanitization for user inputs.
Regularly audit and review code for security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by pfSense to mitigate the vulnerability.