CVE-2018-19276 Explained : Impact and Mitigation
Learn about CVE-2018-19276, a critical vulnerability in OpenMRS allowing unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
OpenMRS before version 2.24.0 is affected by an Insecure Object Deserialization vulnerability that allows unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands on the system. This vulnerability arises from manipulated XML data within a request body.
Understanding CVE-2018-19276
An overview of the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2018-19276.
What is CVE-2018-19276?
CVE-2018-19276 is an Insecure Object Deserialization vulnerability in OpenMRS, enabling unauthorized users to execute arbitrary commands on the targeted system through manipulated XML data.
The Impact of CVE-2018-19276
- CVSS Base Score: 10 (Critical)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: Low
- Privileges Required: None
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Scope: Changed
- User Interaction: None
Technical Details of CVE-2018-19276
Insights into the vulnerability description, affected systems, versions, and exploitation mechanism.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows an unauthorized user to execute arbitrary commands on the system by leveraging manipulated XML data within a request body.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Versions: OpenMRS before 2.24.0
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability is exploited by crafting XML data in a request body to execute unauthorized commands on the targeted system.
Mitigation and Prevention
Guidelines on immediate steps to take and long-term security practices to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2018-19276.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update OpenMRS to version 2.24.0 or later to patch the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity.
- Implement strict input validation to prevent malicious XML data manipulation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
- Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.
- Educate users on best practices for handling sensitive data securely.
Patching and Updates
Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates to prevent exploitation of known vulnerabilities.