CVE-2017-10961 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

REDCap before version 7.5.1 is vulnerable to Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) in the File Repository and File Upload components.

Understanding CVE-2017-10961

This CVE involves a CSRF vulnerability in the deletion feature of REDCap's File Repository and File Upload components.

What is CVE-2017-10961?

REDCap versions prior to 7.5.1 are susceptible to CSRF attacks in the deletion functionality of specific components.

The Impact of CVE-2017-10961

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to trick a user into unintentionally deleting files or performing malicious actions on behalf of the user.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-10961

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The CSRF vulnerability in REDCap before version 7.5.1 enables unauthorized deletion of files through a crafted request.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Affected Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by enticing a user to click on a malicious link or visit a specially crafted webpage, leading to unintended file deletions.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from this vulnerability is crucial to maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade REDCap to version 7.5.1 or later to mitigate the CSRF vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown links or visiting suspicious websites.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement CSRF tokens in web applications to prevent CSRF attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit file deletion activities to detect any unauthorized actions.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by REDCap to address vulnerabilities like CSRF.