CVE-2019-16303 : Security Advisory and Response
Learn about CVE-2019-16303 affecting JHipster versions before 6.3.0 and JHipster Kotlin up to 1.1.0. Find out the impact, affected systems, exploitation method, and mitigation steps.
JHipster and JHipster Kotlin versions prior to 6.3.0 have a vulnerability that allows attackers to compute password reset values, leading to privilege escalation or account takeover.
Understanding CVE-2019-16303
This CVE involves a security flaw in JHipster and JHipster Kotlin versions before 6.3.0 that enables attackers to manipulate password reset values.
What is CVE-2019-16303?
Prior to version 6.3.0 of JHipster, the Generator class and JHipster Kotlin up to version 1.1.0 generate code that utilizes an unsafe method of generating random numbers, potentially leading to privilege escalation or account takeover.
The Impact of CVE-2019-16303
This vulnerability allows attackers with access to their password reset URL to calculate values for other account password resets, facilitating privilege escalation or account takeover.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-16303
JHipster and JHipster Kotlin versions prior to 6.3.0 are affected by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The Generator class in JHipster and JHipster Kotlin generates code that uses an insecure method of randomness, specifically the apache.commons.lang3 RandomStringUtils library.
Affected Systems and Versions
- JHipster versions before 6.3.0
- JHipster Kotlin up to version 1.1.0
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers who obtain their password reset URL can exploit this vulnerability to compute values for other account password resets, potentially leading to privilege escalation or account takeover.
Mitigation and Prevention
To address CVE-2019-16303, follow these steps:
Immediate Steps to Take
- Upgrade JHipster and JHipster Kotlin to versions 6.3.0 and 1.1.0, respectively.
- Monitor for any unauthorized access or unusual activities on user accounts.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement secure random number generation methods in code.
- Regularly review and update security practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by JHipster and JHipster Kotlin to fix the vulnerability.