CVE-2010-4312 in Tomcat
Summary
by MITRE
The default configuration of Apache Tomcat 6.x does not include the HTTPOnly flag in a Set-Cookie header, which makes it easier for remote attackers to hijack a session via script access to a cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/08/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-4312 represents a critical security flaw in Apache Tomcat 6.x server configurations that directly impacts session management and authentication mechanisms. This issue stems from the default server setup failing to implement proper cookie security attributes, specifically the HttpOnly flag, which creates an exploitable condition for malicious actors seeking to compromise user sessions. The vulnerability exists at the application server level where session cookies are generated and transmitted to client browsers without adequate protection mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper generation of Set-Cookie headers within the HTTP response protocol. When Tomcat 6.x creates session cookies for user authentication, it does not include the HttpOnly directive in the cookie attributes, leaving these cookies accessible through client-side scripting languages such as javascript. This omission allows attackers to execute cross-site scripting attacks more effectively by directly accessing session cookies through DOM manipulation, bypassing traditional browser security measures that would normally prevent script access to sensitive cookie data. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-1004 which specifically addresses insecure cookie attributes and lack of HttpOnly flag implementation in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple session hijacking capabilities, creating a significant attack surface for malicious actors seeking to escalate privileges and gain unauthorized access to user accounts. Attackers can leverage this weakness to steal session identifiers and impersonate legitimate users, potentially accessing sensitive data, performing unauthorized transactions, or gaining administrative access to applications running on the affected Tomcat servers. The ease of exploitation makes this vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where multiple applications share the same server infrastructure, as compromising one application can potentially affect others. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1548.002 which focuses on hijacking session identifiers through manipulation of web application cookies.
Organizations running affected Apache Tomcat 6.x servers face substantial risk of credential theft and unauthorized access to their web applications. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security posture of web applications by weakening the protection mechanisms that should prevent script-based cookie access. Security professionals should note that this issue is particularly concerning in environments with legacy applications or where patch management processes are delayed, as the default configuration remains vulnerable until explicitly addressed. The impact is amplified in scenarios involving sensitive data handling, financial transactions, or applications with privileged user access, where session compromise can lead to significant data breaches and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-4312 primarily involve configuring the Tomcat server to include the HttpOnly flag in all Set-Cookie headers through proper server configuration modifications. Administrators should update the server's session management settings to enforce secure cookie attributes, typically through modifications to the context.xml file or application configuration files. The recommended approach includes implementing global cookie settings that automatically append the HttpOnly flag to all session cookies generated by the server. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all applications running on affected Tomcat instances and ensure proper cookie security configurations are implemented across the entire infrastructure. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of secure default configurations and the necessity of implementing security controls at the application server level to prevent exploitation through simple configuration oversights.