CVE-2019-16176 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A security flaw in Limesurvey prior to version 3.17.14 allows a malicious user to remotely retrieve the file path to the application in the filesystem.

Understanding CVE-2019-16176

This CVE identifies a path disclosure vulnerability in Limesurvey.

What is CVE-2019-16176?

A path disclosure vulnerability in Limesurvey before version 3.17.14 enables a remote attacker to discover the path to the application in the filesystem.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16176

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to gain sensitive information about the application's file path, potentially aiding in further attacks.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16176

This section provides technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw in Limesurvey allows unauthorized users to remotely access the application's file path, posing a security risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Limesurvey
Versions affected: Prior to 3.17.14

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited remotely by malicious users to retrieve the file path to the application in the filesystem.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16176 is crucial for maintaining security.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Limesurvey to version 3.17.14 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and authentication mechanisms to restrict unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address any identified vulnerabilities in the software.