CVE-2019-16862 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A security vulnerability known as Reflected XSS has been discovered in OpenEMR versions prior to 5.0.2.1, allowing remote attackers to execute code within a user's session.

Understanding CVE-2019-16862

This CVE identifies a critical security flaw in OpenEMR versions before 5.0.2.1 that enables attackers to execute arbitrary code remotely.

What is CVE-2019-16862?

The vulnerability, referred to as Reflected Cross-Site Scripting (XSS), exists in the file interface/forms/eye_mag/view.php in OpenEMR 5.x before version 5.0.2.1. Attackers can exploit this flaw by manipulating the 'pid' parameter to execute code within a user's session.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16862

This vulnerability allows remote attackers to execute code without restrictions within a user's session, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16862

This section provides detailed technical information about the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OpenEMR versions prior to 5.0.2.1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code within a user's session by manipulating the 'pid' parameter in the specified file.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenEMR versions before 5.0.2.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by manipulating the 'pid' parameter in the file interface/forms/eye_mag/view.php to execute code remotely.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16862 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenEMR to version 5.0.2.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor and restrict access to the 'pid' parameter to prevent unauthorized code execution.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch OpenEMR to address security vulnerabilities promptly.
Implement web application firewalls and input validation mechanisms to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by OpenEMR to fix the vulnerability and enhance system security.