CVE-2007-2546 in Simple Machines
Summary
by MITRE
Session fixation vulnerability in Simple Machines Forum (SMF) 1.1.2 and earlier allows remote attackers to hijack web sessions by setting the PHPSESSID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-2546 represents a critical session fixation flaw within Simple Machines Forum version 1.1.2 and earlier installations. This weakness resides in the forum's session management mechanism, specifically how it handles the PHPSESSID parameter that is used to maintain user authentication state across web requests. The issue stems from the application's failure to properly regenerate session identifiers upon user authentication, creating a scenario where an attacker can establish a valid session and then convince a victim to use the same session identifier, thereby gaining unauthorized access to the victim's account.
This session fixation vulnerability operates by exploiting the fundamental principle that web applications should generate unique session identifiers for each user authentication event. When a user logs into the SMF forum, the application should invalidate the previous session and create a new, unpredictable session token. However, in vulnerable versions, the system maintains the original session identifier, allowing an attacker who knows the session ID to simply set the PHPSESSID parameter in their browser and gain access to the victim's session. The flaw is particularly dangerous because it bypasses traditional authentication mechanisms and operates at the session management layer rather than requiring exploitation of application-specific vulnerabilities.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables sophisticated attack scenarios that align with several tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework. An attacker can leverage this vulnerability to perform account takeover operations, potentially leading to data breaches, content manipulation, or even privilege escalation within the forum environment. The vulnerability affects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the forum's user data and services, as compromised sessions can be used to post malicious content, modify user permissions, or access restricted administrative functions. This issue directly relates to CWE-384, which describes session fixation vulnerabilities where applications fail to properly manage session identifiers, and can be categorized under the broader category of authentication bypass techniques.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-2546 require immediate implementation of proper session management practices that align with established security standards. Organizations should upgrade to SMF version 1.1.3 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. The core fix involves implementing session regeneration upon successful authentication, ensuring that each login event produces a new, cryptographically secure session identifier. Additionally, administrators should implement proper session cookie attributes including the Secure and HttpOnly flags to prevent session hijacking through man-in-the-middle attacks or cross-site scripting exploits. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of following secure coding practices for session management as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing that session handling represents one of the most fundamental security controls that must be properly implemented to protect user authentication and authorization mechanisms.