CVE-2011-5100 in Firewall Reporter
Summary
by MITRE
The web interface in McAfee Firewall Reporter before 5.1.0.13 does not properly implement cookie authentication, which allows remote attackers to obtain access, and disable anti-virus functionality, via an HTTP request.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-5100 affects McAfee Firewall Reporter versions prior to 5.1.0.13 and represents a critical authentication flaw in the web interface component. This issue stems from improper cookie authentication implementation that creates a significant security weakness in the system's access control mechanisms. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass legitimate authentication processes and gain unauthorized access to the firewall reporting system, potentially leading to complete system compromise.
The technical flaw manifests through inadequate cookie handling within the web interface authentication process, creating a path for attackers to exploit weak session management controls. This weakness enables unauthorized users to craft malicious HTTP requests that can establish valid sessions without proper credentials, effectively circumventing the intended security boundaries. The vulnerability specifically targets the cookie-based authentication mechanism that should normally verify user identity before granting access to sensitive administrative functions within the McAfee Firewall Reporter platform.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as attackers can leverage the compromised session to disable anti-virus functionality within the system. This capability represents a particularly dangerous aspect of the vulnerability, as it allows adversaries to not only gain access to the reporting interface but also to actively undermine the security posture of the protected network. The ability to disable anti-virus functionality creates a scenario where attackers can remove critical protection mechanisms while maintaining persistent access to the system.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws that can lead to unauthorized access and privilege escalation. The attack vector described in the CVE follows patterns consistent with ATT&CK technique T1190, which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in web applications to gain unauthorized access to systems. The vulnerability represents a classic case of insufficient session management controls that can be exploited through remote network access.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including updating to McAfee Firewall Reporter version 5.1.0.13 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the cookie authentication implementation issues. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls and monitoring for suspicious authentication attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session management and authentication mechanisms in web-based security tools, particularly those that control critical network security functions. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar authentication weaknesses in other network security components that may be susceptible to similar exploitation techniques.