CVE-2019-16984 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

FusionPBX up to version 4.5.7 is vulnerable to a cross-site scripting (XSS) attack due to unsanitized user input in the file app\recordings\recording_play.php.

Understanding CVE-2019-16984

This CVE details a security vulnerability in FusionPBX that could allow an attacker to execute XSS attacks.

What is CVE-2019-16984?

The vulnerability in FusionPBX up to version 4.5.7 arises from improper sanitization of the 'filename' variable obtained from the URL, which is then base64 decoded and displayed in HTML, making it susceptible to XSS attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2019-16984

The vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to inject and execute arbitrary scripts in the context of a user's browser, potentially leading to unauthorized access, data theft, or other malicious activities.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-16984

This section provides more technical insights into the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue lies in the file app\recordings\recording_play.php of FusionPBX, where the 'filename' variable is not properly sanitized, allowing for XSS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

FusionPBX up to version 4.5.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the vulnerability by injecting malicious scripts through the 'filename' variable, which gets decoded and displayed in HTML, enabling XSS attacks.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2019-16984, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update FusionPBX to a version beyond 4.5.7 that includes a patch for this vulnerability.
Implement input validation and sanitization mechanisms to prevent malicious input.

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 and updates provided by FusionPBX promptly to mitigate the risk of XSS attacks.