CVE-2009-1629 in ajaxterm
Summary
by MITRE
ajaxterm.js in AjaxTerm 0.10 and earlier generates session IDs with predictable random numbers based on certain JavaScript functions, which makes it easier for remote attackers to (1) hijack a session or (2) cause a denial of service (session ID exhaustion) via a brute-force attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/13/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1629 affects AjaxTerm 0.10 and earlier versions through its ajaxterm.js component that handles session management. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the application's cryptographic implementation where session identifiers are generated using predictable random number generation techniques. The vulnerability stems from the use of JavaScript's built-in random number functions which do not provide cryptographically secure randomness, creating a scenario where attackers can potentially predict session tokens through mathematical analysis or brute-force attempts. The predictable nature of these session IDs violates fundamental security principles for session management and creates multiple attack vectors for malicious actors.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in how JavaScript's Math.random() function or similar pseudo-random number generators are utilized within the AjaxTerm application to create session identifiers. These functions typically use simple linear congruential generators or other deterministic algorithms that produce sequences of numbers that appear random but are actually highly predictable when sufficient samples are collected. This predictable pattern allows attackers to generate valid session tokens without needing to guess randomly, significantly reducing the time and computational resources required for session hijacking attacks. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values, which specifically addresses the use of weak random number generators in security-critical applications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates two primary security risks that directly impact system integrity and availability. The first risk involves session hijacking where attackers can take control of active user sessions by predicting valid session tokens, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user accounts and system resources. The second risk manifests as a denial of service condition through session ID exhaustion, where attackers can systematically consume available session tokens through brute-force attacks, preventing legitimate users from establishing new sessions and effectively rendering the application unusable. Both attack vectors can be executed remotely without requiring special privileges or access to the underlying system, making them particularly dangerous for web applications.
The impact of this vulnerability extends beyond immediate security breaches to include potential data compromise, service disruption, and regulatory compliance issues. Organizations using affected versions of AjaxTerm face significant risks of unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system downtime. The vulnerability also demonstrates poor security practices in web application development, particularly in the handling of session management and cryptographic functions. Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper cryptographic random number generation using secure libraries such as crypto.getRandomValues() in modern JavaScript environments, or alternatively using established session management frameworks that provide cryptographically secure session token generation. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing session timeout mechanisms, rate limiting, and monitoring for suspicious session activity to detect and respond to potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of using properly vetted cryptographic libraries and avoiding homegrown solutions for security-sensitive operations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through predictable session tokens and T1499.004 for availability disruption through session exhaustion attacks.