CVE-2001-0922 in Netdynamics
Summary
by MITRE
ndcgi.exe in Netdynamics 4.x through 5.x, and possibly earlier versions, allows remote attackers to steal session IDs and hijack user sessions by reading the SPIDERSESSION and uniqueValue variables from the login field, then using those variables after the next user logs in.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/12/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0922 affects Netdynamics 4.x through 5.x web applications and represents a critical session management flaw that enables unauthorized session hijacking. This issue specifically targets the ndcgi.exe component which handles web application requests and session handling for Netdynamics products. The vulnerability stems from improper session variable handling during the authentication process, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by remote attackers without requiring authentication credentials.
The technical flaw manifests through the exposure of sensitive session identifiers within the SPIDERSESSION and uniqueValue variables that are accessible in the login field parameters. These variables contain critical session information that should remain protected within the server-side session management system. Attackers can capture these values from the login form or subsequent HTTP requests and subsequently use them to impersonate legitimate users. The vulnerability operates by exploiting the predictable nature of session variable generation and the lack of proper validation mechanisms to ensure that session identifiers are properly secured between authentication phases.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session theft to encompass complete user account compromise and potential data breaches. When an attacker successfully captures session identifiers, they can seamlessly transition into active user sessions, gaining access to all associated privileges and data without detection. This creates a persistent threat vector that can remain active until the compromised session expires naturally or the server is restarted. The vulnerability affects the authentication flow of the web application and can be exploited across multiple user sessions, making it particularly dangerous for applications handling sensitive information or providing privileged access to systems.
This vulnerability maps directly to CWE-200, which covers improper exposure of sensitive information, and CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws. The attack pattern aligns with ATT&CK technique T1563.002 for Credential Access via session hijacking and T1562.001 for disabling security tools. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including session identifier regeneration upon successful authentication, proper session validation mechanisms, and enhanced monitoring of session-related parameters. The vulnerability also highlights the need for proper input validation and output encoding in web applications to prevent exposure of internal session management variables to client-side requests. Additionally, implementing secure session management practices including secure cookie attributes, proper session timeout mechanisms, and regular session cleanup procedures would significantly reduce the risk of exploitation.