CVE-2006-1787 in Document Server
Summary
by MITRE
Adobe Document Server for Reader Extensions 6.0 includes a user s session (jsession) ID in the HTTP Referer header, which allows remote attackers to gain access to PDF files that are being processed within that session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/17/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-1787 represents a critical session management flaw within Adobe Document Server for Reader Extensions version 6.0. This issue stems from the improper handling of session identifiers within HTTP headers, specifically the Referer header, which creates a pathway for unauthorized access to sensitive PDF documents. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the system manages user authentication state and session continuity, potentially exposing confidential information to malicious actors who can exploit this vulnerability through simple network monitoring or interception techniques.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the Adobe Document Server includes the jsession ID parameter within the HTTP Referer header during PDF processing operations. This practice violates secure session management principles and creates a predictable attack vector where an attacker can capture the Referer header through various means including network sniffing, proxy interception, or even social engineering techniques. The session identifier becomes exposed in a location that is typically accessible to third parties, effectively allowing unauthorized users to reconstruct valid session tokens and gain access to PDF files that are currently being processed within the compromised session context.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on Adobe Document Server for Reader Extensions, as it enables session hijacking attacks that can lead to unauthorized document access, data breaches, and potential information disclosure. The attack surface is particularly concerning because session identifiers are often transmitted in HTTP headers without proper encryption or protection mechanisms, making them easily accessible to attackers within the same network segment or those capable of intercepting HTTP traffic. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of documents processed through the system, potentially exposing sensitive corporate or personal information to unauthorized parties.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws in web applications, and represents a clear violation of secure coding practices as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten security risks. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this issue maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation through session hijacking and reconnaissance activities. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including the removal of session identifiers from HTTP headers, implementation of proper session token management, and deployment of secure communication protocols such as HTTPS to encrypt all session data. Additional defensive measures should include network segmentation, monitoring for suspicious Referer header patterns, and regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems.