CVE-2019-19450 : What You Need to Know

CVE-2019-19450 is a vulnerability found in versions of ReportLab prior to 3.5.31, allowing for remote code execution through the paraparser module. Attackers can manipulate user input within a crafted XML document to execute arbitrary Python code.

Understanding CVE-2019-19450

What is CVE-2019-19450?

The vulnerability in the paraparser module of ReportLab versions prior to 3.5.31 enables remote code execution by exploiting user input evaluation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19450

This vulnerability poses a significant risk as attackers can execute arbitrary Python code, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data manipulation, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19450

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the start_unichar function in the paraparser.py file, where user input can be influenced by attackers to execute Python code.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions prior to 3.5.31 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious input within a crafted XML document, specifically targeting the '<unichar code="' element.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update ReportLab to version 3.5.31 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update software dependencies to address security flaws promptly.
Conduct security assessments and code reviews to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by ReportLab to ensure the ongoing protection of systems.