CVE-2019-0971 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability related to the disclosure of information in Azure DevOps Server and Microsoft Team Foundation Server.

Understanding CVE-2019-0971

A vulnerability exists in the sanitization process of authentication requests in Azure DevOps Server and Team Foundation Server, leading to information disclosure.

What is CVE-2019-0971?

This vulnerability, also known as the 'Azure DevOps Server and Team Foundation Server Information Disclosure Vulnerability,' allows attackers to obtain sensitive information by exploiting a flaw in the authentication request handling.

The Impact of CVE-2019-0971

The vulnerability can result in unauthorized access to sensitive data, potentially compromising the confidentiality and integrity of information stored on affected servers.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-0971

The technical aspects of the vulnerability in Azure DevOps Server and Team Foundation Server.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw arises from the inadequate sanitization of specially crafted authentication requests, enabling attackers to extract sensitive information from vulnerable servers.

Affected Systems and Versions

Products affected: Team Foundation Server 2018, Azure DevOps Server
Vulnerable versions: Update 3.2 for Team Foundation Server 2018, 2019 for Azure DevOps Server

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specifically designed authentication requests to vulnerable servers, bypassing proper sanitization measures.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-0971.

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches provided by Microsoft promptly.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity indicating exploitation attempts.
Implement strong access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Microsoft may release security updates and patches to address the vulnerability. Stay informed about official advisories and apply patches as soon as they are available.