CVE-2007-2978 in eggblog
Summary
by MITRE
Session fixation vulnerability in eggblog 3.1.0 and earlier allows remote attackers to hijack web sessions by setting the PHPSESSID parameter.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-2978 represents a critical session management flaw in eggblog version 3.1.0 and earlier systems. This issue falls under the category of session fixation attacks as defined by CWE-384, where an attacker can manipulate session identifiers to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability specifically affects the PHP-based web application's session handling mechanism, allowing remote attackers to exploit the system through manipulation of the PHPSESSID parameter that is used to track user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when the application fails to properly regenerate session identifiers upon user authentication. When a user logs into the eggblog system, the application should generate a new, unique session identifier to prevent session hijacking attempts. However, in affected versions, the system maintains the same session identifier even after successful authentication, creating a predictable session token that attackers can exploit. This flaw enables attackers to set a known session identifier and then wait for a legitimate user to authenticate with that identifier, effectively allowing the attacker to assume the user's authenticated session.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it provides attackers with persistent access to user accounts and potentially sensitive data within the eggblog application. According to ATT&CK framework category T1548.003, this vulnerability enables privilege escalation and persistence within the application environment. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform actions such as posting content, modifying blog settings, accessing private user data, and potentially escalating privileges within the application. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target system or network.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper session management practices including immediate session regeneration upon successful authentication, as specified in OWASP Top 10 security recommendations. The most effective remediation involves updating the eggblog application to a version that properly implements session handling mechanisms, ensuring that session identifiers are regenerated after authentication. Additionally, implementing secure session cookie attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags can provide additional protection layers. Organizations should also consider implementing session timeout mechanisms and monitoring for suspicious session activity patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper session management as outlined in CWE-613 and emphasizes the need for regular security updates and vulnerability assessments to maintain application security posture.