CVE-2019-16766 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

In versions of wagtail-2fa prior to 1.3.0, an attacker who gains access to someone's Wagtail login credentials can bypass the 2FA verification process, allowing them to add a new device and gain unrestricted access to the CMS. This vulnerability has been addressed in version 1.3.0.

Understanding CVE-2019-16766

This CVE involves a 2FA bypass in Wagtail through the new device path.

What is CVE-2019-16766?

CVE-2019-16766 refers to a security vulnerability in wagtail-2fa versions before 1.3.0 that enables an attacker to circumvent 2FA by modifying the URL after logging into the CMS.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16766

CVSS Score: 8.7 (High)
Severity: High
Attack Vector: Network
Confidentiality Impact: High
Integrity Impact: High
Privileges Required: High
Scope: Changed

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16766

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability allows an attacker with stolen credentials to bypass 2FA by manipulating the URL, granting them unauthorized access to the CMS.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Product: wagtail-2fa
Vendor: Lab Digital
Vulnerable Versions: < 1.3.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by acquiring someone's Wagtail login credentials and then modifying the URL post-login to bypass 2FA and gain CMS access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16766 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade wagtail-2fa to version 1.3.0 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor CMS access for any suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) beyond 2FA.
Educate users on the importance of safeguarding login credentials.

Patching and Updates

Regularly update and patch wagtail-2fa to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.