CVE-2011-1007 in Bestpractical
Summary
by MITRE
Best Practical Solutions RT before 3.8.9 does not perform certain redirect actions upon a login, which allows physically proximate attackers to obtain credentials by resubmitting the login form via the back button of a web browser on an unattended workstation after an RT logout.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2021
The vulnerability described in CVE-2011-1007 affects Best Practical Solutions RT versions prior to 3.8.9 and represents a significant session management flaw that exploits the browser's navigation behavior. This issue specifically targets the redirect mechanisms that should occur after authentication, creating a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the system's failure to properly handle session state transitions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it requires minimal physical access and technical expertise to exploit, making it a serious concern for organizations that rely on RT for ticket management and issue tracking.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's inability to properly enforce redirect actions following login operations. When a user logs into the RT system and subsequently logs out, the application fails to ensure that subsequent navigation attempts through browser back buttons will not re-execute the login form with cached credentials. This behavior creates a persistent session vulnerability where attackers can leverage the browser's caching mechanisms to resubmit login forms on unattended workstations. The flaw essentially allows attackers to bypass the normal authentication flow by exploiting the browser's history navigation rather than following the proper application redirect paths.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables unauthorized access to sensitive ticketing systems that may contain confidential information about security incidents, customer data, or internal operational details. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability in environments where workstations are left unattended, such as in shared office spaces, call centers, or help desk areas. The physical proximity requirement means that attackers do not need sophisticated tools or network access, but rather the ability to approach an unattended workstation and perform basic browser navigation. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in environments where security awareness among users is low and proper workstation management protocols are not consistently enforced.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with several common attack patterns and security weaknesses. The flaw relates to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and demonstrates how inadequate session management can create persistent access vectors. The vulnerability also connects to ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering and physical access methods. Organizations implementing RT systems must consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture, particularly in environments where physical security controls are not robust. The issue highlights the importance of proper browser session handling and the need for applications to enforce secure authentication flows that cannot be bypassed through simple navigation techniques.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability include immediate upgrade to RT version 3.8.9 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly enforce redirect behaviors after authentication. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as automatic session timeouts, proper browser cache management, and user education about secure workstation practices. Network administrators should consider implementing additional monitoring to detect unusual login patterns or repeated authentication attempts. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date security patches and the need for comprehensive security testing that includes session management and browser navigation behaviors. Regular security assessments should include testing for similar session management vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to exploit browser navigation patterns for unauthorized access.