CVE-2019-16187 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

Limesurvey prior to version 3.17.14 is affected by a vulnerability that exposes the anti-CSRF cookie value due to the absence of the HttpOnly flag.

Understanding CVE-2019-16187

This CVE describes a security issue in Limesurvey that could allow attackers to access the cookie value through a client-side script.

What is CVE-2019-16187?

The version of Limesurvey before 3.17.14 uses a cookie to prevent CSRF attacks, but the missing HttpOnly flag makes it vulnerable to exploitation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16187

The vulnerability enables attackers to retrieve the cookie value, potentially leading to unauthorized access and security breaches.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16187

Limesurvey's vulnerability is detailed below:

Vulnerability Description

The anti-CSRF cookie in Limesurvey lacks the HttpOnly flag, allowing attackers to obtain the cookie value via a client-side script.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Limesurvey
Vendor: N/A
Versions Affected: Prior to 3.17.14

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by executing a script on the client-side to access the cookie value.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2019-16187 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Limesurvey to version 3.17.14 or newer.
Implement HttpOnly flag for cookies to prevent client-side access.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and apply patches promptly to secure your systems.