CVE-2011-1839 in Rational Build Forge
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Rational Build Forge 7.1.0 uses the HTTP GET method during redirection from the authentication servlet to a PHP script, which makes it easier for context-dependent attackers to discover session IDs by reading (1) web-server access logs, (2) web-server Referer logs, or (3) the browser history.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1839 affects IBM Rational Build Forge version 7.1.0, a software development tool used for continuous integration and build automation processes. This security flaw stems from the application's improper handling of authentication redirects, specifically the use of HTTP GET method during the redirection process from the authentication servlet to a PHP script. The vulnerability represents a significant weakness in the application's session management and authentication mechanisms, creating exploitable conditions that could compromise user sessions and potentially lead to unauthorized access to sensitive development environments.
The technical flaw manifests when the authentication system redirects users from the authentication servlet to a PHP script using the HTTP GET method. This approach inadvertently exposes session identifiers within the URL parameters, making them visible to various logging mechanisms that capture and store web traffic information. The session ID becomes embedded in the URL query string, which means that when users are redirected, their session tokens are transmitted through the HTTP GET request parameters rather than through secure headers or cookies. This design flaw directly violates established security principles for session management and authentication handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session leakage, as it creates multiple attack vectors for context-dependent adversaries. Attackers can exploit this weakness by accessing web server access logs, which typically record all HTTP requests including those with embedded session identifiers. Additionally, the Referer header logging mechanisms that track user navigation between pages can inadvertently capture these session tokens, while browser history features may store these URLs containing sensitive session information. This multi-layered exposure means that even if one logging mechanism is not accessible, attackers can still recover session tokens through alternative methods, significantly increasing the attack surface and exploitation probability.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and CWE-384, which covers session fixation issues. The flaw also relates to ATT&CK technique T1566, specifically the use of credential dumping through web application vulnerabilities, and T1552, which involves unauthorized access to credentials through information gathering. The weakness creates an environment where attackers can perform reconnaissance activities without requiring direct network access or sophisticated exploitation techniques, as the session information is readily available through standard logging mechanisms that are typically enabled for operational purposes.
The recommended mitigations for this vulnerability involve implementing proper session management practices that avoid transmitting session identifiers through URLs. Organizations should modify the authentication redirect mechanism to use HTTP POST requests instead of GET requests, ensuring that session tokens are transmitted through secure headers or cookies rather than URL parameters. Additionally, implementing proper URL rewriting techniques and ensuring that authentication redirects do not include session identifiers in the URL structure will eliminate the exposure. Security configurations should also include regular log review processes to identify and remove any session tokens that may have been inadvertently logged, while implementing access controls and monitoring for unusual authentication patterns that could indicate session hijacking attempts.