CVE-2019-16971 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

FusionPBX versions prior to 4.5.7 are affected by a security vulnerability in the file app\messages\messages_thread.php, potentially leading to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack.

Understanding CVE-2019-16971

This CVE involves a vulnerability in FusionPBX that allows for XSS attacks due to improper sanitization of user input.

What is CVE-2019-16971?

In FusionPBX up to version 4.5.7, the file app\messages\messages_thread.php does not properly sanitize the "contact_uuid" variable from the URL, resulting in HTML reflection vulnerabilities that can be exploited for XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16971

The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially compromising sensitive data or performing unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16971

This section provides more in-depth technical information about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the unsanitized handling of the "contact_uuid" variable in the specified file, leading to multiple instances of HTML reflection vulnerabilities.

Affected Systems and Versions

FusionPBX versions prior to 4.5.7 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft URLs containing malicious scripts that, when executed, can lead to XSS attacks due to the lack of proper input sanitization.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16971 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade FusionPBX to version 4.5.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and sanitization to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address security vulnerabilities.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and remediate potential weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and apply patches promptly to protect against known vulnerabilities.