CVE-2007-3420 in WebAPP
Summary
by MITRE
The Random Cookie Password functionality in the loaduser function in cgi-bin/cgi-lib/subs.pl in web-app.org WebAPP before 0.9.9.7 does not clear the (1) username, (2) password, (3) usertheme, and (4) userlang cookies for unauthorized users, which has unknown impact and remote attack vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/24/2017
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3420 resides within the web-app.org WebAPP software version 0.9.9.6 and earlier, specifically within the loaduser function located in the cgi-bin/cgi-lib/subs.pl script. This flaw represents a critical security oversight in session management and authentication handling that directly impacts how user credentials and preferences are managed across web sessions. The vulnerability manifests when the application fails to properly sanitize cookie data for unauthorized users, creating potential exposure points that could be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw stems from improper cookie clearing mechanisms within the loaduser function, where four specific cookie values remain uncleaned for users who lack proper authorization. These cookies include username, password, usertheme, and userlang, all of which are critical components of user session management and personalization. When unauthorized users access the application, these cookies retain their previous values, potentially exposing sensitive information or creating confusion in the authentication process. This issue directly maps to CWE-200, which addresses the improper handling of sensitive information, and CWE-312, which covers the exposure of sensitive data through cleartext storage or transmission.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates potential attack vectors that could be leveraged for privilege escalation or session hijacking. An attacker who can manipulate or observe these uncleared cookies may be able to infer information about valid user accounts, potentially leading to account compromise or unauthorized access to restricted resources. The remote attack vectors available through this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves the exploitation of vulnerabilities in remote services to gain unauthorized access. The lack of proper cookie clearing creates a persistent state that could be exploited across multiple sessions, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently switch between authenticated and unauthenticated states.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper cookie sanitization procedures within the loaduser function. The software should ensure that all sensitive cookie data is explicitly cleared or reset for unauthorized users before session continuation. This includes implementing robust session management protocols that automatically invalidate or reset cookie values when authentication fails or when users transition from authenticated to unauthenticated states. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as secure cookie flags, proper session timeout mechanisms, and regular security audits of authentication functions. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST SP 800-53 guidelines for session management and authentication controls, ensuring that sensitive data is properly handled throughout the entire user interaction lifecycle.