CVE-2019-14530 : What You Need to Know

A vulnerability has been found in the file custom/ajax_download.php in OpenEMR versions prior to 5.0.2, allowing unauthorized users to download and potentially delete files from the server.

Understanding CVE-2019-14530

This CVE identifies a security flaw in OpenEMR that can be exploited by attackers to access and manipulate files on the server.

What is CVE-2019-14530?

The vulnerability in OpenEMR versions before 5.0.2 allows unauthorized users to download any file readable by the www-data user and potentially delete files from the server.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14530

The vulnerability poses a risk of unauthorized access to sensitive files stored on the server, potentially leading to data breaches or loss of critical information.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14530

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the file custom/ajax_download.php in OpenEMR before version 5.0.2, specifically related to the fileName parameter. Attackers can exploit this to access and download files from the server.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected System: OpenEMR
Affected Versions: Prior to 5.0.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the fileName parameter in the custom/ajax_download.php file, allowing them to download files readable by the www-data user and potentially delete files from the server.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-14530 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenEMR to version 5.0.2 or later to patch the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the vulnerable file and directories.
Monitor file downloads and deletions for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and permissions to limit unauthorized access to files.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for OpenEMR to mitigate the risk of exploitation.