CVE-2008-1390 in s800i
Summary
by MITRE
The AsteriskGUI HTTP server in Asterisk Open Source 1.4.x before 1.4.19-rc3 and 1.6.x before 1.6.0-beta6, Business Edition C.x.x before C.1.6, AsteriskNOW before 1.0.2, Appliance Developer Kit before revision 104704, and s800i 1.0.x before 1.1.0.2 generates insufficiently random manager ID values, which makes it easier for remote attackers to hijack a manager session via a series of ID guesses.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-1390 represents a critical weakness in the Asterisk Open Source telephony platform's web-based management interface known as AsteriskGUI. This flaw affects multiple versions of the Asterisk software including the 1.4.x series before 1.4.19-rc3, 1.6.x series before 1.6.0-beta6, and various business editions and appliance versions. The core issue lies in the insufficient randomness of manager ID values generated by the HTTP server component, which creates predictable session identifiers that can be easily guessed by remote attackers. This vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism of the web management interface, making it a direct threat to the security of telephony systems that rely on Asterisk for their operations.
The technical flaw stems from poor random number generation practices within the AsteriskGUI component, which is classified as a weakness under CWE-330, "Use of Insufficiently Random Values." The manager ID values used for session tracking and authentication are generated using algorithms or methods that do not provide adequate entropy, making them susceptible to brute force attacks. When an attacker can predict or guess these session identifiers, they gain the ability to hijack active manager sessions without requiring valid credentials. This weakness directly impacts the principle of authentication and session management, creating a path for unauthorized access to the telephony system's administrative functions. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and can be exploited remotely, making it particularly dangerous for systems accessible over the internet.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential complete system compromise and disruption of telephony services. An attacker who successfully hijacks a manager session can execute arbitrary commands on the Asterisk server, modify dial plans, add or remove users, configure trunks, and potentially gain access to sensitive telephony data. This represents a significant threat to business continuity and data security, as the attacker essentially gains administrative control over the entire telephony infrastructure. The vulnerability affects organizations that deploy Asterisk systems for voice over IP communications, PBX services, and telephony applications, potentially exposing critical communication networks to unauthorized manipulation and surveillance. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication credentials, relying solely on the predictability of session identifiers.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability involve immediate patching of affected systems to versions that implement proper random number generation for session identifiers. Organizations should ensure all Asterisk installations are updated to the patched versions mentioned in the CVE description, specifically 1.4.19-rc3 and 1.6.0-beta6 or later releases. Network segmentation and access control measures should be implemented to restrict access to the AsteriskGUI interface, limiting exposure to trusted networks only. Additional protective measures include implementing strong authentication mechanisms, monitoring for suspicious session activity, and deploying intrusion detection systems to identify potential exploitation attempts. According to ATT&CK framework category T1110, this vulnerability aligns with credential access techniques where attackers exploit weak session management to gain unauthorized access. Organizations should also consider implementing session timeout mechanisms and regular security audits to detect and remediate similar weaknesses in their telephony infrastructure.