CVE-2019-16977 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

FusionPBX up to version 4.5.7 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack due to improper sanitization of the 'query_string' variable in the 'extension_imports.php' file.

Understanding CVE-2019-16977

This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in FusionPBX that could potentially lead to XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2019-16977?

CVE-2019-16977 is a vulnerability in FusionPBX versions prior to 4.5.7 that arises from inadequate sanitization of user input, allowing malicious actors to execute XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16977

The vulnerability in FusionPBX could enable attackers to inject malicious scripts into web pages viewed by other users, leading to unauthorized access or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16977

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The 'extension_imports.php' file in FusionPBX fails to properly sanitize the 'query_string' variable from the URL, which is then reflected in the HTML output, creating an XSS risk.

Affected Systems and Versions

FusionPBX versions before 4.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the unsanitized 'query_string' variable to inject malicious scripts into the HTML output, potentially compromising user data and system integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16977 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FusionPBX to version 4.5.7 or later to mitigate the XSS vulnerability.
Regularly monitor and sanitize user inputs to prevent similar security risks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.
Educate developers and users on secure coding practices to enhance overall system security.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security patches and updates released by FusionPBX to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-16977.