CVE-2019-14954 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Learn about CVE-2019-14954, a vulnerability in JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before version 2019.2 that exposed users to risks due to unencrypted communication. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation steps.
JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA before version 2019.2 had a vulnerability where it used an unencrypted HTTP connection to resolve the download link of the markdown plantuml artifact.
Understanding CVE-2019-14954
This CVE entry highlights a security issue in JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA that could expose users to potential risks due to the unencrypted communication.
What is CVE-2019-14954?
CVE-2019-14954 is a vulnerability in JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA that allowed the resolution of the markdown plantuml artifact download link over an insecure HTTP connection.
The Impact of CVE-2019-14954
The vulnerability could lead to potential man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker could intercept and manipulate the communication between the user and the artifact download link.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-14954
This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
Prior to version 2019.2, JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA used an unencrypted HTTP connection to resolve the download link of the markdown plantuml artifact.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA
- Versions affected: Before 2019.2
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers performing man-in-the-middle attacks to intercept and modify the communication between the user and the download link.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2019-14954 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA to version 2019.2 or newer to ensure secure communication.
- Avoid downloading artifacts from untrusted sources.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Use encrypted HTTPS connections for all communications to prevent eavesdropping.
- Regularly update software and apply security patches to mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all software, including JetBrains IntelliJ IDEA, is regularly updated to the latest versions to address security vulnerabilities.