CVE-2007-5152 in Java System Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
Sun Java System Access Manager 7.1, when installed in a Sun Java System Application Server 9.1 container, does not demand authentication after a container restart, which allows remote attackers to perform administrative tasks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/29/2021
Sun Java System Access Manager 7.1 presents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability when deployed within the Sun Java System Application Server 9.1 environment. This flaw stems from the improper handling of session management and authentication state persistence following container restart events. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where the Access Manager is integrated with the Application Server, creating a scenario where administrative privileges remain accessible without proper credential verification after the application server undergoes a restart operation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the failure of the Access Manager component to properly reset or reinitialize its authentication mechanisms during the application server restart process. This behavior creates a window of opportunity where previously authenticated administrative sessions remain active and accessible to unauthorized parties. The flaw operates at the application level within the container environment, specifically affecting how the system manages security contexts and session state transitions during restart scenarios. This represents a classic weakness in access control implementation that can be categorized under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and unauthorized administrative access. Remote attackers who can successfully exploit this vulnerability gain the ability to perform any administrative function available within the Access Manager framework without requiring valid credentials. This includes but is not limited to user account management, policy configuration changes, system monitoring, and potentially sensitive data access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited without requiring physical access to the system or knowledge of existing credentials, making it highly attractive to malicious actors seeking unauthorized access to enterprise security infrastructure.
The security implications of this vulnerability align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation. Attackers can leverage this weakness to maintain persistence within the system by exploiting the authentication bypass to perform administrative tasks that would normally require legitimate credentials. The vulnerability also intersects with T1566 which covers credential harvesting and exploitation of weak authentication mechanisms. Organizations utilizing this specific combination of Sun Java System products face significant risk as the flaw exists in the core security infrastructure rather than in peripheral applications, potentially compromising the entire security posture of the enterprise environment.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should include immediate application of vendor-provided patches or updates that address the authentication bypass issue. Organizations should implement additional monitoring controls to detect unauthorized administrative access attempts and establish robust session management policies that enforce re-authentication after system restart events. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to limit exposure of the vulnerable components to untrusted networks. Security teams should also consider implementing automated restart procedures that include explicit authentication requirements and session cleanup processes to prevent the persistence of unauthorized administrative access. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in other components of the Java application server ecosystem.