CVE-2019-19551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in Sangoma FreePBX versions 13.0.76.43 through 15.0.20 allows attackers to execute harmful scripts in user accounts.

Understanding CVE-2019-19551

This CVE involves a security flaw in the User Management section of the Administrator web portal in Sangoma FreePBX versions 13.0.76.43 through 15.0.20.

What is CVE-2019-19551?

This vulnerability enables attackers to input malicious values in specific fields, leading to the execution of XSS payloads when viewed by other users.

The Impact of CVE-2019-19551

The XSS vulnerability allows attackers to compromise user accounts and potentially perform unauthorized actions within the system.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-19551

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The XSS flaw in Sangoma FreePBX versions 13.0.76.43 through 15.0.20 allows attackers to inject harmful scripts into certain fields, which are not properly sanitized.

Affected Systems and Versions

Sangoma FreePBX versions 13.0.76.43 through 15.0.20

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with access to the User Control Panel application can input malicious values in time/date formatting and time-zone fields.
When a user (e.g., admin) views another user's profile in the User Management screen, the XSS payload executes within the victim user's account.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-19551 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Sangoma FreePBX to a patched version that addresses the XSS vulnerability.
Educate users about the risks of clicking on suspicious links or providing sensitive information.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and audit user activities within the FreePBX system.
Implement strict input validation and output encoding to prevent XSS attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by Sangoma to fix the XSS vulnerability in affected versions.