CVE-2008-6599 in cookiecheck
Summary
by MITRE
cookiecheck.php in CookieCheck 1.0 stores tmp/cc_sessions under the web root with insufficient access control, which allows remote attackers to obtain session data via a direct request related to the "default session save path."
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/04/2018
The vulnerability described in CVE-2008-6599 represents a critical access control flaw in the CookieCheck 1.0 web application that directly impacts session security management. This issue occurs within the cookiecheck.php script where temporary session files are stored in the tmp/cc_sessions directory structure, which is positioned within the web root accessible to remote attackers. The flaw stems from improper directory permissions and inadequate access controls that allow unauthorized users to directly access session data through simple HTTP requests targeting the default session save path. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-276 category of Incorrect Access Control, specifically addressing insufficient permissions for critical system resources. The configuration exposes session storage directories that should remain protected from external access, creating a direct pathway for session hijacking attacks where malicious actors can obtain valid session identifiers and potentially impersonate legitimate users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires minimal effort from attackers who can simply construct direct requests to the tmp/cc_sessions directory to retrieve session files containing user authentication tokens and session state information. This represents a fundamental failure in web application security architecture where sensitive session data is stored in publicly accessible locations without proper access restrictions. The vulnerability demonstrates poor security practices in session management, where the application fails to implement proper file system permissions or web server access controls to prevent unauthorized access to session storage areas. Attackers can leverage this weakness to perform session hijacking, privilege escalation, and unauthorized access to user accounts that rely on the compromised session data for authentication purposes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session theft, creating potential for broader security breaches within the affected application environment. When session data becomes accessible to remote attackers, they can not only impersonate users but also potentially access sensitive application functionality, modify user data, or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability directly violates security principles outlined in the ATT&CK framework under T1563.002 for Credential Access: Steal or Forge Kerberos Tickets, as it enables unauthorized access to authentication tokens stored in session files. The exposure of session data creates persistent security risks that can remain active until the affected application is properly patched or reconfigured, potentially allowing attackers to maintain access over extended periods.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-6599 require immediate implementation of proper directory access controls and secure session management practices. Organizations should relocate session storage directories outside the web root and configure appropriate file system permissions to prevent unauthorized access to session files. Web server configurations must be adjusted to ensure that session storage directories cannot be accessed through HTTP requests, typically achieved by implementing proper directory permissions or using web server access control lists. Additionally, application-level fixes should include implementing proper session management with secure session storage mechanisms that do not rely on predictable file paths accessible through web requests. The remediation process must also involve regular security audits of session management configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future application versions or updates.