CVE-2019-16186 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In versions of Limesurvey prior to 3.17.14, admin users have the ability to access the plugin manager even without the necessary permissions.

Understanding CVE-2019-16186

In Limesurvey before version 3.17.14, a vulnerability exists that allows admin users to access the plugin manager without proper permissions.

What is CVE-2019-16186?

This CVE refers to a security issue in Limesurvey versions prior to 3.17.14 that enables admin users to bypass permission restrictions and access the plugin manager.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16186

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive functionalities within Limesurvey, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16186

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

Admin users in Limesurvey versions before 3.17.14 can exploit this vulnerability to access the plugin manager without the required permissions.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Limesurvey
Versions affected: Prior to 3.17.14

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability allows admin users to directly access the plugin manager interface, circumventing the permission checks that should restrict this access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-16186, follow these mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Limesurvey to version 3.17.14 or newer to eliminate the vulnerability.
Restrict admin access to the plugin manager to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update user permissions to ensure least privilege access.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Limesurvey.
Implement a robust patch management process to promptly apply security fixes to your systems.