CVE-2019-1020017 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Discourse before version 2.3.0 and from version 2.4.x up to 2.4.0.beta3 lacks a confirmation screen during user-api OTP login.

Understanding CVE-2019-1020017

This CVE involves a security issue in the Discourse platform related to the lack of a confirmation screen during user-api OTP login.

What is CVE-2019-1020017?

CVE-2019-1020017 is a vulnerability in Discourse versions prior to 2.3.0 and from 2.4.x to 2.4.0.beta3, where no confirmation screen is displayed when logging in using a user-api OTP.

The Impact of CVE-2019-1020017

The absence of a confirmation screen during user-api OTP login can potentially lead to unauthorized access and compromise of user accounts.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-1020017

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the missing confirmation screen during user-api OTP login, leaving user accounts vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Discourse
Affected Versions:
< 2.3.0
2.4.0.beta1
2.4.0.beta2
Fixed in 2.4.0.beta3

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by bypassing the lack of a confirmation screen during user-api OTP login to gain unauthorized access to user accounts.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-1020017 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Discourse to version 2.3.0 or higher to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement additional authentication measures to enhance security.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch Discourse to address security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on secure login practices and the importance of multi-factor authentication.

Patching and Updates

Apply the necessary patches provided by Discourse to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.