CVE-2019-16172 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis
Discover the impact of CVE-2019-16172 on LimeSurvey versions before 3.17.14. Learn about the stored XSS vulnerability allowing privilege escalation and how to mitigate the risks effectively.
LimeSurvey before version 3.17.14 was vulnerable to stored cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing for privilege escalation. This CVE-2019-16172 exploit could elevate a low-privileged account to a higher level, such as SuperAdmin, by manipulating JavaScript code within a survey group.
Understanding CVE-2019-16172
This section delves into the specifics of the CVE-2019-16172 vulnerability.
What is CVE-2019-16172?
CVE-2019-16172 refers to a security flaw in LimeSurvey versions preceding 3.17.14 that enabled stored XSS attacks, facilitating the unauthorized escalation of user privileges.
The Impact of CVE-2019-16172
The vulnerability in LimeSurvey had the following implications:
- Allowed stored XSS attacks
- Enabled privilege escalation from low-privileged accounts to higher levels like SuperAdmin
- Exploited a survey group feature mishandling JavaScript during deletion
Technical Details of CVE-2019-16172
Explore the technical aspects of the CVE-2019-16172 vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability in LimeSurvey allowed for stored XSS attacks, enabling threat actors to manipulate JavaScript code within a survey group to escalate privileges.
Affected Systems and Versions
- LimeSurvey versions before 3.17.14
Exploitation Mechanism
The attack leveraged a survey group's title containing JavaScript code that was not properly handled during the deletion process, leading to privilege escalation.
Mitigation and Prevention
Learn how to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2019-16172.
Immediate Steps to Take
To address CVE-2019-16172:
- Upgrade LimeSurvey to version 3.17.14 or newer
- Regularly monitor security advisories and update systems promptly
Long-Term Security Practices
To enhance security in the long run:
- Implement secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities
- Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches and updates provided by LimeSurvey promptly to address security vulnerabilities