CVE-2019-9926 in Server
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in LabKey Server 19.1.0. It is possible to force a logged-in administrator to execute code through a /reports-viewScriptReport.view CSRF vulnerability.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/29/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-9926 represents a critical cross-site request forgery flaw within LabKey Server version 19.1.0 that specifically targets authenticated administrator accounts. This vulnerability stems from insufficient validation of request origins and lacks proper CSRF token implementation in the /reports-viewScriptReport.view endpoint, creating a pathway for malicious actors to manipulate authenticated sessions. The flaw exists in the server's security architecture where the application fails to verify that requests originate from legitimate sources, making it susceptible to exploitation by attackers who can craft malicious requests that appear to come from authorized users.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows an attacker to construct a malicious payload that, when executed, forces a logged-in administrator to perform unintended actions through the script report viewing functionality. This particular endpoint lacks adequate protection mechanisms such as anti-CSRF tokens or origin validation checks that would normally prevent unauthorized requests from being processed. The vulnerability specifically targets the report viewing component of LabKey Server, which typically provides administrators with access to various analytical capabilities and data visualization tools. When exploited, the CSRF attack can lead to arbitrary code execution within the context of the administrator's session, potentially allowing full system compromise and unauthorized access to sensitive data repositories.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation as it provides attackers with the ability to execute arbitrary code with administrative privileges, effectively granting them complete control over the LabKey Server environment. This includes the potential to modify or delete critical data, alter user permissions, access restricted reports and datasets, and manipulate the underlying database structure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it requires no authentication from the attacker beyond the ability to trick an administrator into visiting a malicious website or clicking on a crafted link. The exploitation process leverages the administrator's existing authenticated session, making detection more difficult and the attack more likely to succeed. According to CWE classification, this vulnerability maps to CWE-352, Cross-Site Request Forgery, which specifically addresses the lack of proper request origin validation and token-based protection mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-9926 should prioritize immediate patching of LabKey Server to version 19.2.0 or later where the CSRF vulnerability has been addressed through proper token implementation and origin validation. Organizations should implement network-level controls such as web application firewalls that can detect and block suspicious request patterns targeting the vulnerable endpoint. Additionally, security teams should enforce strict browser security policies including Content Security Policy headers and ensure that administrators are trained to recognize potential CSRF attack vectors. The implementation of proper session management practices and regular security audits of web applications can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability falls under T1078 Valid Accounts and T1213 Data from Information Repositories, as exploitation leads to unauthorized access to sensitive data and system resources. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for administrative accounts to add additional layers of protection against session hijacking and privilege escalation attempts.