CVE-2019-16966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Discover the impact of CVE-2019-16966, a vulnerability in Contactmanager versions for FreePBX, enabling XSS attacks. Learn about affected systems, exploitation, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability has been identified in Contactmanager versions 13.x, 14.x, and 15.x for FreePBX 14.0.10.3, allowing for XSS attacks.
Understanding CVE-2019-16966
This CVE pertains to a security flaw in Contactmanager versions prior to specific releases, enabling cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks.
What is CVE-2019-16966?
The vulnerability in Contactmanager class allows unsanitized input from the URL to be displayed as HTML, creating an opportunity for XSS attacks through specific requests.
The Impact of CVE-2019-16966
The vulnerability can be exploited by malicious actors to execute XSS attacks, potentially compromising the integrity and confidentiality of the affected systems.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-16966
This section provides detailed technical information about the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The flaw exists in the Contactmanager class of FreePBX, where unsanitized input from the URL is directly reflected in HTML, opening the door for XSS attacks.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Contactmanager versions 13.x before 13.0.45.3
- Contactmanager versions 14.x before 14.0.5.12
- Contactmanager versions 15.x before 15.0.8.21
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a GET request to /admin/ajax.php?module=contactmanager, leveraging the unsanitized group variable from the URL to execute XSS attacks.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16966 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Apply the necessary patches and updates provided by the vendor to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict access to the vulnerable components to prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs effectively.
- Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Patching and Updates
- Ensure that Contactmanager is updated to versions 13.0.45.3, 14.0.5.12, or 15.0.8.21 to eliminate the vulnerability.