CVE-2019-17560 : What You Need to Know

Apache NetBeans autoupdate system lacks SSL certificate and hostname authentication, allowing malicious actors to intercept and tamper with downloads.

Understanding CVE-2019-17560

The vulnerability in Apache NetBeans affects versions up to and including 11.2 due to improper certificate validation.

What is CVE-2019-17560?

The autoupdate system of Apache NetBeans does not authenticate SSL certificates and hostnames for downloads using https, enabling attackers to intercept and modify autoupdate downloads.

The Impact of CVE-2019-17560

This vulnerability can lead to the injection of potentially harmful code into autoupdate downloads, compromising the integrity and security of the software.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-17560

Apache NetBeans vulnerability details and affected systems.

Vulnerability Description

The autoupdate system of Apache NetBeans lacks SSL certificate and hostname validation for https downloads, exposing it to interception and modification by threat actors.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Apache NetBeans
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: Up to and including 11.2

Exploitation Mechanism

Malicious actors can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting autoupdate downloads and injecting malicious code, potentially compromising the software's integrity.

Mitigation and Prevention

Steps to mitigate and prevent exploitation of CVE-2019-17560.

Immediate Steps to Take

Disable autoupdate feature in Apache NetBeans if possible.
Manually verify the authenticity of updates before applying them.
Monitor for any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity on the system.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement a robust SSL certificate validation mechanism for autoupdate downloads.
Regularly update Apache NetBeans to the latest secure version.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches or updates provided by Apache NetBeans to address the vulnerability and enhance security measures.