CVE-2019-10946 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been detected in Joomla! versions prior to 3.9.5. The "refresh list of helpsites" endpoint in the com_users component does not perform proper access checks, enabling unauthorized calls by unauthenticated users.

Understanding CVE-2019-10946

This CVE identifies a security issue in Joomla! versions before 3.9.5 that allows unauthenticated users to make unauthorized calls through a specific endpoint.

What is CVE-2019-10946?

CVE-2019-10946 is a vulnerability in Joomla! versions prior to 3.9.5 that arises from inadequate access controls in the com_users component, specifically the "refresh list of helpsites" endpoint.

The Impact of CVE-2019-10946

The vulnerability permits unauthenticated users to execute unauthorized calls, potentially leading to unauthorized access or other malicious activities on the affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-10946

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

Vulnerability Description

The "refresh list of helpsites" endpoint in the com_users component of Joomla! lacks proper access checks, allowing unauthenticated users to perform unauthorized calls.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Systems: Joomla! versions before 3.9.5
Affected Component: com_users

Exploitation Mechanism

Unauthenticated users can exploit this vulnerability by making unauthorized calls through the vulnerable endpoint, potentially compromising the security of the system.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of this vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Joomla! to version 3.9.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the vulnerable endpoint to authenticated users only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update Joomla! and all its components to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement strong authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive endpoints.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Joomla! promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.