CVE-2019-16987 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

FusionPBX versions prior to v4.5.7 have a vulnerability in the file app\contacts\contact_import.php, potentially leading to a cross-site scripting (XSS) issue.

Understanding CVE-2019-16987

This CVE identifies a specific vulnerability in FusionPBX versions.

What is CVE-2019-16987?

In FusionPBX up to v4.5.7, the file app\contacts\contact_import.php does not properly sanitize the "query_string" variable from the URL, allowing for potential XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16987

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16987

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the unsanitized "query_string" variable in the contact_import.php file, which is directly reflected in HTML, enabling XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: FusionPBX versions prior to v4.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft URLs with malicious scripts in the query string, which, when executed, can lead to unauthorized script execution in the user's browser.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16987 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FusionPBX to version 4.5.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web application code for security vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by FusionPBX to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-16987.