CVE-2019-25398 in IPFire
Summary
by MITRE • 02/19/2026
IPFire 2.21 Core Update 127 contains multiple cross-site scripting vulnerabilities in the ovpnmain.cgi script that allow attackers to inject malicious scripts through VPN configuration parameters. Attackers can submit POST requests with script payloads in parameters like VPN_IP, DMTU, ccdname, ccdsubnet, DOVPN_SUBNET, DHCP_DOMAIN, DHCP_DNS, DHCP_WINS, ROUTES_PUSH, FRAGMENT, KEEPALIVE_1, and KEEPALIVE_2 to execute arbitrary JavaScript in administrator browsers.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25398 affects IPFire version 2.21 Core Update 127 and represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw within the ovpnmain.cgi script component. This vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation and sanitization of user-supplied parameters within the VPN configuration interface, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers. The flaw specifically impacts the OpenVPN management interface where administrators configure various VPN parameters, making it a prime target for malicious actors seeking to compromise the administrative session. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-79 as a failure to sanitize user input, which directly enables XSS attacks by allowing attackers to inject malicious code into the application's response.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through POST requests submitted to the vulnerable ovpnmain.cgi script, where attackers can inject malicious JavaScript payloads into multiple VPN configuration parameters. These parameters include VPN_IP, DMTU, ccdname, ccdsubnet, DOVPN_SUBNET, DHCP_DOMAIN, DHCP_DNS, DHCP_WINS, ROUTES_PUSH, FRAGMENT, KEEPALIVE_1, and KEEPALIVE_2, all of which are processed without proper sanitization. When an administrator views the VPN configuration page, the malicious scripts contained within these parameters execute in the administrator's browser context, potentially leading to session hijacking, credential theft, or further exploitation of the compromised system. The attack vector leverages the principle of reflected XSS where the malicious content is stored and then executed when the administrator interacts with the vulnerable interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it provides attackers with a means to execute arbitrary JavaScript code within the context of an authenticated administrator session. This creates a significant risk of privilege escalation and system compromise, as administrators typically have elevated permissions within the IPFire environment. The vulnerability can be exploited without requiring authentication to the target system, making it particularly dangerous as attackers can leverage it to gain unauthorized access to VPN configurations, potentially leading to network infiltration or data exfiltration. The persistent nature of the vulnerability means that once exploited, attackers can maintain access to the compromised administrative interface and continue to execute malicious code without re-authentication.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-25398 should focus on immediate patch application to IPFire version 2.21 Core Update 128 or later, which contains the necessary fixes for the XSS vulnerabilities. Organizations should also implement input validation and sanitization measures at the application level to prevent malicious payloads from being processed, including the implementation of Content Security Policy headers to limit script execution. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit exposure of the vulnerable VPN management interface to trusted networks only. Additionally, regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components of the IPFire system, with monitoring implemented to detect suspicious activity in the VPN configuration parameters. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1566.001 for credential access through social engineering, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures beyond simple patching.