CVE-2019-11016 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

An open redirect vulnerability exists in Elgg versions earlier than 1.12.18 and 2.3.x versions prior to 2.3.11.

Understanding CVE-2019-11016

This CVE identifies an open redirect vulnerability in specific versions of Elgg.

What is CVE-2019-11016?

An open redirect vulnerability allows attackers to redirect users to malicious websites, potentially leading to phishing attacks or the installation of malware.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11016

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to deceive users into visiting malicious sites, compromising their sensitive information or infecting their systems with malware.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11016

Elgg versions before 1.12.18 and 2.3.x before 2.3.11 are affected by this open redirect vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Elgg allows attackers to craft URLs that redirect users to arbitrary websites.

Affected Systems and Versions

Elgg versions prior to 1.12.18
Elgg 2.3.x versions before 2.3.11

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by enticing users to click on specially crafted URLs that appear legitimate but actually redirect them to malicious sites.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2019-11016.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Elgg to version 1.12.18 or 2.3.11, which contain fixes for the open redirect vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on unknown or suspicious links.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and applications to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement URL filtering and validation mechanisms to prevent open redirect attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that all systems running Elgg are updated to the patched versions (1.12.18 or 2.3.11) to eliminate the open redirect vulnerability.