CVE-2019-16979 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

FusionPBX versions prior to v4.5.7 have a vulnerability in the file app\contacts\contact_urls.php, potentially leading to XSS attacks.

Understanding CVE-2019-16979

This CVE identifies a cross-site scripting vulnerability in FusionPBX versions up to v4.5.7.

What is CVE-2019-16979?

In FusionPBX up to v4.5.7, the file app\contacts\contact_urls.php does not properly sanitize the "id" variable from the URL, allowing for potential XSS issues when the data is displayed in HTML.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16979

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized actions or data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16979

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

Vulnerability Description

The file app\contacts\contact_urls.php in FusionPBX versions prior to v4.5.7 fails to sanitize the "id" variable from the URL, enabling XSS attacks when the data is displayed in HTML.

Affected Systems and Versions

FusionPBX versions prior to v4.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can craft URLs with malicious scripts in the "id" parameter, which, when executed, can lead to XSS vulnerabilities.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-16979 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FusionPBX to version 4.5.7 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit web application code for security vulnerabilities.
Educate developers on secure coding practices to prevent similar issues in the future.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance system security.