CVE-2019-11068 : Security Advisory and Response

A vulnerability in libxslt up to version 1.1.33 allows bypassing of a protection mechanism, potentially leading to security issues.

Understanding CVE-2019-11068

What is CVE-2019-11068?

Libxslt through version 1.1.33 is susceptible to a vulnerability that enables attackers to bypass a protection mechanism, exploiting the xsltCheckRead and xsltCheckWrite functions.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11068

The vulnerability allows callers of xsltCheckRead and xsltCheckWrite to gain access even when receiving a -1 error code, potentially leading to security breaches. Crafted URLs can trigger a return value of -1 from xsltCheckRead, compromising system integrity.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11068

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in libxslt permits the bypass of a protection mechanism due to unrestricted access granted by xsltCheckRead and xsltCheckWrite functions, even when encountering -1 error codes.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: N/A
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: Up to version 1.1.33

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by crafting URLs that, although not invalid, can trigger a return value of -1 from xsltCheckRead, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply security patches promptly to mitigate the vulnerability in libxslt.
Monitor for any unusual activities that might indicate exploitation of the vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and restrictions to limit potential attack surfaces.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and advisories related to libxslt to apply patches as soon as they are available.