CVE-2006-7155 in BorderManager
Summary
by MITRE
Novell BorderManager 3.8 SP4 generates the same ISAKMP cookies for the same source IP and port number during the same day, which allows remote attackers to conduct denial of service and replay attacks. NOTE: this issue might be related to CVE-2006-5286.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-7155 affects Novell BorderManager 3.8 SP4 and represents a significant weakness in the Internet Security Association and Key Management Protocol (ISAKMP) implementation. This flaw resides in the cookie generation mechanism that is fundamental to the IPsec security protocol's authentication process. The system fails to properly randomize ISAKMP cookies, creating predictable patterns that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the same source IP address and port number combination is used within a 24-hour period, as the system consistently generates identical cookie values. This predictable behavior directly violates the cryptographic principles that ensure session uniqueness and security in network protocols.
The technical implementation flaw stems from inadequate entropy generation within the cookie creation algorithm, which operates under the Common Weakness Enumeration category of CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values. The deterministic nature of cookie generation creates a scenario where attackers can anticipate and reproduce session identifiers, fundamentally undermining the security model designed to prevent unauthorized access and maintain session integrity. This weakness is particularly concerning because ISAKMP cookies serve as a critical mechanism for preventing denial of service attacks by ensuring that only legitimate parties can participate in key exchange negotiations. When these cookies become predictable, the entire authentication process becomes vulnerable to exploitation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service scenarios, encompassing sophisticated replay attack capabilities that can compromise the entire IPsec security framework. Attackers can leverage the predictable cookie values to inject malicious packets into ongoing sessions, potentially leading to session hijacking or unauthorized access to protected network resources. The vulnerability affects the availability and integrity of the BorderManager's security services, as legitimate users may experience service disruption while attackers can exploit the predictable state to perform unauthorized operations. This issue directly aligns with the ATT&CK technique T1498 Lateral Tool Transfer, where adversaries can leverage predictable security mechanisms to establish unauthorized access points. The vulnerability's impact is amplified by its potential to be combined with other security flaws, as noted in the advisory's reference to CVE-2006-5286, suggesting a broader pattern of inadequate cryptographic implementation in the BorderManager product line.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention through patching and configuration adjustments. Organizations should prioritize applying the vendor-supplied security updates that address the cookie generation algorithm and ensure proper randomization of ISAKMP cookies. Network administrators should implement additional monitoring measures to detect unusual patterns in ISAKMP cookie usage and establish alerting mechanisms for potential replay attacks. The solution involves strengthening the entropy sources used in cookie generation to ensure that each cookie value is cryptographically secure and unique, effectively addressing the CWE-330 weakness. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit the attack surface, deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious cookie patterns, and establishing regular security assessments to verify that cryptographic implementations meet industry standards. The fix should also include proper session timeout mechanisms and ensure that cookie values are invalidated after specific time intervals to prevent long-term exploitation opportunities.