CVE-2019-13029 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

REDCap versions 8 before 8.10.20 and 9 before 9.1.2 are affected by stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities, allowing attackers to inject malicious code into users' browsers.

Understanding CVE-2019-13029

The admin panel and survey system in REDCap have multiple instances of stored XSS vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2019-13029?

Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities in REDCap versions 8 before 8.10.20 and 9 before 9.1.2 allow attackers to insert harmful HTML or JavaScript code into users' web browsers.

The Impact of CVE-2019-13029

These vulnerabilities enable attackers to execute arbitrary code in the context of the user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-13029

The following technical details outline the vulnerability in more depth:

Vulnerability Description

Multiple stored Cross-site scripting (XSS) issues in the admin panel and survey system in REDCap 8 before 8.10.20 and 9 before 9.1.2 allow an attacker to inject arbitrary malicious HTML or JavaScript code into a user's web browser.

Affected Systems and Versions

REDCap versions 8 before 8.10.20
REDCap versions 9 before 9.1.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit these vulnerabilities by injecting specially crafted HTML or JavaScript code into input fields, which, when executed, can compromise user data and sessions.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-13029 and enhance overall security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update REDCap to versions 8.10.20 or 9.1.2, which contain patches for the XSS vulnerabilities.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or entering untrusted data.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation mechanisms to sanitize user inputs and prevent XSS attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit web applications for security vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates promptly to mitigate known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.