CVE-2019-19909 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

A vulnerability was found in the Public Knowledge Project (PKP) pkp-lib application, version before 3.1.2-2, which is utilized by Open Journal Systems (OJS) version before 3.1.2-2. A code injection exploit may occur in the OJS report generator when a Journal Manager user with proper authentication visits a carefully crafted URL. This vulnerability is due to the use of the unserialize function.

Understanding CVE-2019-19909

This CVE identifies a code injection vulnerability in PKP pkp-lib before version 3.1.2-2, affecting OJS before version 3.1.2-2.

What is CVE-2019-19909?

The vulnerability allows for code injection in the OJS report generator when a Journal Manager user visits a maliciously crafted URL.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19909

The exploit could lead to unauthorized code execution and potential compromise of the OJS system, risking data integrity and confidentiality.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19909

This section provides in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from improper use of the unserialize function in PKP pkp-lib, enabling code injection in the OJS report generator.

Affected Systems and Versions

Public Knowledge Project (PKP) pkp-lib before version 3.1.2-2
Open Journal Systems (OJS) before version 3.1.2-2

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploit occurs when a Journal Manager user, authenticated within OJS, accesses a specially crafted URL triggering the code injection.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19909 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update PKP pkp-lib and OJS to versions 3.1.2-2 or newer to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor system logs for any suspicious activities related to code injection.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strict input validation to prevent code injection attacks.
Educate users on safe browsing practices and the risks of clicking on unknown URLs.

Patching and Updates

Regularly apply security patches and updates to PKP pkp-lib and OJS to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.