CVE-2011-2329 in Rampart-C
Summary
by MITRE
The rampart_timestamp_token_validate function in util/rampart_timestamp_token.c in Apache Rampart/C 1.3.0 does not properly calculate the expiration of timestamp tokens, which allows remote attackers to bypass intended access restrictions by leveraging an expired token, a different vulnerability than CVE-2011-0730.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/08/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2329 affects Apache Rampart/C version 1.3.0, specifically within the rampart_timestamp_token_validate function located in util/rampart_timestamp_token.c. This flaw represents a critical security weakness in the timestamp token validation mechanism that forms part of the WS-Security implementation for Apache Axis2/C. The vulnerability stems from improper calculation of timestamp token expiration logic, creating a scenario where security controls can be circumvented through the manipulation of timestamp values. This issue is particularly concerning as it directly impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms that rely on time-based token validation to ensure message integrity and prevent replay attacks.
The technical flaw manifests in the rampart_timestamp_token_validate function's inability to accurately determine whether a timestamp token has expired, allowing attackers to exploit this miscalculation to reuse expired tokens for authentication purposes. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and requires network access to exploit, making it suitable for remote attack scenarios. When an attacker successfully leverages this vulnerability, they can bypass intended access restrictions by submitting timestamp tokens that should have expired but are still accepted by the system due to the flawed validation logic. This behavior creates a persistent security gap where time-based access controls become ineffective, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of CVE-2011-2329 extends beyond simple authentication bypass, as it undermines the fundamental security principles of time-based message validation that are essential for web services security. Systems relying on Apache Rampart/C for WS-Security implementations become vulnerable to replay attacks, where malicious actors can reuse previously valid tokens to gain unauthorized access. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise environments where web services security is critical for protecting sensitive data and maintaining access control policies. The flaw can be exploited by attackers who have network access to the vulnerable service, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized system access, and compromise of the entire security infrastructure that depends on proper timestamp validation.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Apache Rampart/C to version 1.3.1 or later, which contains the corrected timestamp validation logic. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of vulnerable services to untrusted networks. Monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns and implementing additional authentication layers can help detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through exploitation of web service vulnerabilities. System administrators should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems to monitor for patterns consistent with timestamp token abuse and ensure that all web service implementations undergo regular security assessments to identify similar validation flaws.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper time-based validation logic in security implementations and highlights how subtle flaws in timestamp calculations can have significant security implications. The issue represents a failure in input validation and time-based access control mechanisms that directly impacts the security posture of web services relying on Apache Rampart/C. Organizations should prioritize the remediation of this vulnerability as part of their overall security maintenance program and ensure that all security patches are applied promptly to prevent exploitation by threat actors who may be actively targeting systems with this specific weakness.