CVE-2019-16956 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0 is vulnerable to Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks through the Request Type parameter of a ticket.

Understanding CVE-2019-16956

This CVE identifies a security issue in SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0 that allows malicious actors to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2019-16956?

The Request Type parameter in SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0 can be manipulated to inject malicious scripts, enabling attackers to execute unauthorized actions on the application.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16956

Exploiting this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access, data theft, and potential compromise of the affected system's security.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16956

SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0 is susceptible to XSS attacks due to inadequate input validation on the Request Type parameter.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0 allows attackers to insert malicious scripts via the Request Type parameter, leading to XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SolarWinds Web Help Desk 12.7.0
Vendor: SolarWinds
Version: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the CVE-2019-16956 vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts into the Request Type parameter of a ticket, which are then executed within the application's context.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-16956 and enhance security:

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable or sanitize user inputs to prevent script injection.
Implement Content Security Policy (CSP) to mitigate XSS risks.
Regularly monitor and audit user inputs for suspicious activities.

Long-Term Security Practices

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing.
Educate users and developers on secure coding practices to prevent XSS vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches and updates provided by SolarWinds to address the XSS vulnerability in Web Help Desk 12.7.0.