CVE-2008-3057 in Oempro
Summary
by MITRE
Octeth Oempro 3.5.5.1, and possibly other versions before 4, does not set the secure flag for the PHPSESSID cookie in an https session, which makes it easier for remote attackers to capture this cookie by intercepting its transmission within an http session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-3057 affects Octeth Oempro version 3.5.5.1 and potentially earlier versions up to version 4. This security flaw resides in the web application's session management implementation where the PHPSESSID cookie lacks proper security attributes during HTTPS sessions. The issue stems from the application's failure to configure the secure flag on session cookies, creating a significant attack surface that allows malicious actors to intercept sensitive session information. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality and integrity of user sessions by weakening the protection mechanisms that should prevent unauthorized access to session identifiers.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of HTTP cookies within the web application's session management system. When users establish an HTTPS connection, the application should automatically set the secure flag on session cookies to ensure they are only transmitted over encrypted channels. However, in affected versions of Oempro, this security measure is omitted, allowing session cookies to be transmitted unencrypted when accessed through HTTP connections. This creates a man-in-the-middle attack vector where attackers can capture session identifiers from network traffic, potentially leading to session hijacking and unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability is classified as a weak session management issue that violates fundamental web security principles and is categorized under CWE-614 as "Sensitive Cookie in HTTPS Session Without 'Secure' Flag."
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session theft, as it creates opportunities for attackers to escalate privileges and maintain persistent access to compromised systems. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by intercepting network traffic between users and the web server, particularly in unsecured network environments such as public Wi-Fi networks or corporate networks lacking proper traffic encryption. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the transport layer security level, where attackers can leverage the captured session identifiers to impersonate legitimate users and gain access to sensitive data, administrative functions, or other protected resources within the application. This weakness significantly undermines the security posture of the affected system and can lead to complete account compromise and potential data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper cookie security configurations within the web application. Organizations should ensure that all session cookies are configured with the secure flag when transmitted over HTTPS connections, preventing their exposure during network interception attacks. The recommended approach involves modifying the application's session management code to explicitly set the secure flag on PHPSESSID cookies and other sensitive session identifiers. Additionally, implementing proper HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) headers can further protect against protocol downgrade attacks and ensure that all communications occur over encrypted channels. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security measures such as secure cookie attributes, proper session timeout configurations, and monitoring for unusual session activity patterns. This vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices and adheres to the principles outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing the risks associated with insecure session management and weak cryptography implementation. The attack pattern aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under credential access and defense evasion tactics, where adversaries exploit weak session management to maintain access to compromised systems.