Limesurvey Installation Page Exposure Scanner

Limesurvey is a widely-used open-source survey tool that allows users to create surveys and collect responses online. It is utilized by organizations and researchers worldwide for conducting market research, academic surveys, and data collection. The platform provides a variety of question types and customization options to suit diverse survey needs. Its user-friendly interface and scalability make it suitable for small to large-scale survey projects. Additionally, Limesurvey supports various languages and can be easily installed on Linux and Windows servers. Its comprehensive features enable users to manage surveys effectively and analyze collected data efficiently.

The vulnerability in question, Installation Page Exposure, arises when the installation page of Limesurvey is accessible to unauthorized users due to misconfiguration. This exposure can potentially lead to unauthorized access and manipulation of the Limesurvey application. Attackers can exploit the installation interface to gather sensitive information or interfere with the installation process. Proper configuration settings are required to ensure that only authorized personnel can access or modify the installation settings. This vulnerability highlights the need for meticulous attention to configuration details to protect the system from unauthorized access.

Installation Page Exposure in Limesurvey typically occurs due to oversight in securing the installation path. The vulnerable endpoint is commonly found in the Limesurvey installer at the path '/index.php?r=installer/welcome', which can be accessed without proper authentication controls. The exposure is identified by matching specific keywords like 'LimeSurvey installer', 'Progress', and installation language preferences in the HTML body of the installation page. Ensuring security configurations are implemented correctly is crucial to mitigate this vulnerability. Additionally, server-side security measures can be employed to prevent such exposure.

If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to several adverse effects including unauthorized access to installing Limesurvey instances, potential information leakage, and security breaches. Attackers could manipulate the installation process, potentially leading to incomplete or insecure installations, which can compromise survey data security in the future. Moreover, sensitive information entered during installation could be intercepted by malicious actors, posing risks to data integrity and confidentiality. Organizations need to take this vulnerability seriously to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive information.