CVE-2012-3369 in JBoss Enterprise
Summary
by MITRE
The CallerIdentityLoginModule in JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP) 5.2.0, Web Platform (EWP) 5.2.0, and BRMS Platform before 5.3.1 allows remote attackers to gain privileges of the previous user via a null password, which causes the previous user s password to be used.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-3369 resides within the CallerIdentityLoginModule component of Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform versions 5.2.0 and earlier, as well as the Web Platform and BRMS Platform versions up to 5.3.0. This authentication mechanism flaw represents a critical security weakness that directly impacts the integrity of user session management and privilege escalation within affected systems. The vulnerability specifically manifests when a login attempt is made with a null password parameter, creating an unexpected behavior that allows unauthorized access to existing user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the CallerIdentityLoginModule class. When a user attempts to authenticate with a null password, the system fails to properly validate the authentication request and instead reuses the password from the previously authenticated session. This design flaw creates a path for remote attackers to leverage existing valid sessions without proper authorization, essentially enabling privilege escalation through session hijacking techniques. The module's failure to enforce proper credential validation when encountering null inputs represents a fundamental breakdown in the authentication process, aligning with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues.
Operationally, this vulnerability presents significant risks to organizations running affected JBoss platforms, as it allows remote attackers to potentially access systems with elevated privileges. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as attackers can exploit this weakness to maintain persistent access to systems, escalate privileges, and potentially compromise entire application environments. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates silently without requiring complex attack vectors, making detection more difficult. Attackers can simply attempt to authenticate with null credentials, and if successful, they inherit the privileges of the previous user session, which could include administrative rights depending on the user's access level.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with several techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework, particularly those related to credential access and privilege escalation. The attack pattern follows the methodology of credential stuffing and session hijacking, where attackers leverage existing valid sessions to gain unauthorized access. Organizations implementing affected JBoss platforms face potential data breaches, system compromise, and unauthorized access to sensitive application resources. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local system privileges to carry out successful attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2012-3369 primarily focus on immediate patching and configuration hardening. Organizations should upgrade to patched versions of JBoss EAP, EWP, and BRMS platforms, specifically targeting versions that address this authentication flaw. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including disabling unnecessary authentication modules, enforcing strong password policies, and implementing proper session management controls. Network segmentation and access controls should be strengthened to limit potential attack surfaces, while monitoring systems should be configured to detect anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper input validation and credential handling in authentication modules, reinforcing industry best practices for secure application development and deployment.