CVE-2019-16679 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Gila CMS before version 1.11.1 is vulnerable to directory traversal, allowing for Local File Inclusion through the admin/fm/?f=../ endpoint.

Understanding CVE-2019-16679

This CVE entry describes a security vulnerability in Gila CMS that could lead to Local File Inclusion.

What is CVE-2019-16679?

CVE-2019-16679 is a vulnerability in Gila CMS versions prior to 1.11.1 that enables attackers to perform directory traversal through a specific endpoint, potentially resulting in Local File Inclusion.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16679

The vulnerability in Gila CMS could allow malicious actors to include arbitrary files from the local file system, leading to unauthorized access to sensitive information or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16679

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in Gila CMS allows attackers to traverse directories using the admin/fm/?f=../ endpoint, opening the door to Local File Inclusion attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Gila CMS
Versions affected: All versions before 1.11.1

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by manipulating the 'f' parameter in the admin/fm/?f=../ endpoint to access files outside the intended directory structure.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16679 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade Gila CMS to version 1.11.1 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to sensitive directories to prevent unauthorized file inclusions.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement proper input validation and sanitization to prevent directory traversal attacks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates for Gila CMS to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-16679.