GNOME libxslt Protection Mechanism Bypass Vulnerability [CVE-2019-11068]
CVE Number – CVE-2019-11068
A vulnerability in GNOME libxslt could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to bypass security restrictions on a targeted system.
The vulnerability exists because the xsltCheckRead and xsltCheckWrite functions of the affected software could allow unauthorized access when receiving a -1 error code. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by sending a request that submits a malicious URL that is loaded by the targeted system. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to bypass security restrictions, which could be used to conduct further attacks.
GNOME has confirmed the vulnerability and released software updates.
Analysis
- To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must send a request that submits malicious input to the targeted system, making exploitation more difficult in environments that restrict network access from untrusted sources.
Safeguards
- Administrators are advised to apply the appropriate updates.
Administrators are advised to allow only trusted users to have network access.
Administrators are advised to run both firewall and antivirus applications to minimize the potential of inbound and outbound threats.
Administrators may consider using IP-based access control lists (ACLs) to allow only trusted systems to access the affected systems.
Administrators can help protect affected systems from external attacks by using a solid firewall strategy.
Administrators are advised to monitor affected systems.
Vendor Announcements
- GNOME has released a git commit at the following link: commit e03553605b45c88f0b4b2980adfbbb8f6fca2fd6
Fixed Software
- GNOME has released software updates at the following link: Fix security framework bypass
Duncan is a technology professional with over 20 years experience of working in various IT roles. He has a interest in cyber security, and has a wide range of other skills in radio, electronics and telecommunications.