CVE-2019-16244
📋 TL;DR
CVE-2019-16244 is a security filter bypass vulnerability in OMERO.server that allows attackers to access hidden objects through crafted queries. This affects OMERO.server installations before version 5.6.1, potentially exposing sensitive microscopy data to unauthorized users.
💻 Affected Systems
- OMERO.server
📦 What is this software?
Omero.server by Openmicroscopy
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete compromise of sensitive microscopy data including patient information, research data, and intellectual property through unauthorized access to hidden objects.
Likely Case
Unauthorized access to restricted microscopy images and metadata, potentially violating data privacy regulations and research confidentiality.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation and access controls, though vulnerability still exists at application layer.
🎯 Exploit Status
The advisory describes the vulnerability as allowing bypass of security filters via crafted queries, suggesting relatively straightforward exploitation.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 5.6.1
Vendor Advisory: https://www.openmicroscopy.org/security/advisories/2019-SV5/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Backup OMERO.server configuration and database. 2. Stop OMERO.server service. 3. Upgrade to OMERO.server 5.6.1 or later. 4. Restart OMERO.server service. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Access Restriction
linuxRestrict network access to OMERO.server to trusted IP addresses only
# Configure firewall rules to restrict access
# Example: iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4064 -s trusted_network -j ACCEPT
# iptables -A INPUT -p tcp --dport 4064 -j DROP
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network segmentation and firewall rules to limit OMERO.server access to authorized users only
- Enable detailed audit logging and monitor for unusual query patterns or unauthorized access attempts
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check OMERO.server version via command line: omero version | grep 'OMERO.server'Check Version:
omero version | grep 'OMERO.server'Verify Fix Applied:
Verify version is 5.6.1 or later: omero version | grep 'OMERO.server' and confirm version >= 5.6.1📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual query patterns in OMERO.server logs
- Access to objects that should be hidden based on permissions
- Failed authentication attempts followed by successful data access
Network Indicators:
- Unusual query patterns to OMERO.server port (default 4064)
- Data exfiltration patterns from OMERO.server
SIEM Query:
source="omero-server" AND (event="query" AND (pattern="*hidden*" OR pattern="*bypass*"))