CVE-2011-4625 in SimpleSAMLphp
Summary
by MITRE
simplesamlphp before 1.6.3 (squeeze) and before 1.8.2 (sid) incorrectly handles XML encryption which could allow remote attackers to decrypt or forge messages.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-4625 affects simplesamlphp versions prior to 1.6.3 and 1.8.2, representing a critical flaw in XML encryption handling that exposes systems to remote exploitation. This issue specifically impacts the security of identity management and single sign-on implementations that rely on simplesamlphp for authentication services. The vulnerability stems from improper implementation of XML encryption mechanisms that should have protected sensitive authentication data but instead created pathways for attackers to manipulate or access encrypted communications. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental weakness in how the software processes encrypted XML documents, potentially undermining the entire security framework of systems using this library for identity federation.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the improper handling of XML encryption algorithms and key management within simplesamlphp's implementation. Attackers can exploit this weakness to either decrypt sensitive information that should remain protected or forge authentication messages that appear legitimate to the receiving systems. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-310, which categorizes weaknesses in cryptographic systems, specifically addressing improper encryption implementation and key management flaws. The flaw allows for man-in-the-middle attacks where adversaries can intercept and modify XML encrypted communications without detection, potentially gaining unauthorized access to user credentials, session information, or other sensitive data exchanged through the identity federation protocols.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, affecting the integrity and authenticity guarantees that XML encryption is designed to provide. Systems relying on simplesamlphp for SAML authentication could experience complete compromise of their identity management infrastructure, as attackers could forge authentication responses or decrypt sensitive user information from intercepted communications. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications and identity providers that implement SAML-based single sign-on solutions, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected resources and undermining trust in the entire authentication ecosystem. The remote nature of the attack means that exploitation can occur from any location without requiring physical access to the target systems, making the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems are widely deployed.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to simplesamlphp versions 1.6.3 or 1.8.2, which contain the necessary patches to address the XML encryption flaws. Additional defensive measures should include monitoring network traffic for suspicious authentication patterns, implementing network segmentation to limit access to identity management systems, and conducting thorough security assessments of all systems using this library. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK techniques including T1566 for credential harvesting and T1071 for application layer protocol usage, demonstrating how weaknesses in cryptographic implementations can enable broader attack chains. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability may be used as a stepping stone for more sophisticated attacks targeting the underlying infrastructure or user accounts.