CVE-2019-16177 in LimeSurvey
Summary
by MITRE
In Limesurvey before 3.17.14, the entire database is exposed through browser caching.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/18/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2019-16177 represents a critical misconfiguration issue within LimeSurvey versions prior to 3.17.14 that exposes sensitive database content through improper browser caching mechanisms. This flaw allows unauthorized access to database information through browser cache mechanisms, creating a significant security risk for organizations relying on LimeSurvey for data collection and management. The vulnerability stems from inadequate cache control headers implementation within the application's HTTP response handling, which fails to properly instruct web browsers to avoid caching sensitive database content. This misconfiguration creates a persistent security gap that can be exploited by attackers who gain access to a user's browser cache, potentially exposing confidential survey data, user information, and other database records that should remain protected.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability involves the absence of proper cache control directives in HTTP headers returned by LimeSurvey's web server responses. According to CWE-527, this represents a weakness where security-relevant information is exposed through improper access control mechanisms. The flaw specifically affects how the application handles caching of database query results and administrative interface content, which are typically stored in browser caches without proper security considerations. When users navigate through LimeSurvey's administrative panels or interact with database-driven survey functionalities, the application fails to implement Cache-Control headers that would prevent sensitive information from being stored in browser caches. This allows attackers who can access a victim's browser cache to retrieve previously loaded database content, including survey responses, user credentials, and system configuration data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates persistent access points for attackers who can leverage cached content to reconstruct database structures and sensitive information over time. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that handle confidential data through LimeSurvey, including healthcare providers, financial institutions, and government agencies that rely on survey platforms for collecting sensitive information. The risk is amplified because browser caching occurs automatically without user intervention, meaning that any user with access to the victim's browser cache can potentially retrieve cached database content. According to ATT&CK framework tactic TA0006 (Credential Access), this vulnerability enables adversaries to harvest credentials and sensitive data from browser caches, while also supporting technique T1552.001 (Unsecured Credentials) by exposing database content that could contain authentication information or sensitive personal data.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to LimeSurvey version 3.17.14 or later to address this vulnerability, as the patch implements proper cache control mechanisms that prevent sensitive database content from being cached in browsers. Additional mitigations include implementing comprehensive web application firewall rules that enforce cache control headers, conducting regular security audits of HTTP response headers, and establishing proper access controls for administrative interfaces. System administrators should also consider implementing browser security policies that enforce no-cache directives for sensitive application areas and regularly clear browser caches for users handling confidential data. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper HTTP header configuration in web applications and aligns with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten 2017 category A05 - Security Misconfiguration, where inadequate security headers contribute to data exposure risks. Organizations should also implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts and establish incident response procedures for potential cache-based data exposure events.