CVE-2013-0510 in Security AppScan
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security AppScan Enterprise 5.6 and 8.x before 8.7 includes a security test that sends session cookies to a specific external server, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to hijack the test account by capturing these cookies.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/09/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-0510 affects IBM Security AppScan Enterprise versions 5.6 and 8.x prior to 8.7, representing a critical security flaw in the application security testing platform. This issue stems from a specific security test implementation that inadvertently exposes session management mechanisms to external threat actors. The vulnerability operates through a designated security test that intentionally transmits session cookies to a predetermined external server as part of its operational methodology. This design flaw creates an exploitable pathway where malicious actors can intercept and utilize these transmitted session identifiers for unauthorized access. The technical implementation of this security test demonstrates poor security engineering practices, as it fails to adequately protect sensitive session information during transmission to external endpoints. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-319, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor, and represents a clear violation of secure session management principles.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables comprehensive account hijacking capabilities for man-in-the-middle attackers who can capture the transmitted session cookies. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability gain unauthorized access to the AppScan Enterprise test accounts, potentially compromising the entire security testing infrastructure. The attack vector leverages standard network interception techniques, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no sophisticated exploitation methods beyond basic packet capture and analysis. This vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the application security testing platform, as it allows adversaries to impersonate legitimate users within the system. The exposure of session cookies to external servers creates a persistent threat surface that can be exploited repeatedly, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for organizations relying on the platform for security testing operations.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of IBM Security AppScan Enterprise face significant operational risks including unauthorized access to security testing environments, potential data exfiltration, and compromised testing integrity. The vulnerability creates a backdoor that allows attackers to bypass normal authentication mechanisms and gain access to sensitive security testing configurations and results. This exposure can lead to complete compromise of the security testing infrastructure, potentially enabling attackers to manipulate test results or gain access to underlying systems being tested. The attack requires minimal sophistication to execute, making it particularly dangerous in environments where security testing is conducted against sensitive or critical systems. From an operational perspective, this vulnerability undermines the trust model of the security testing platform and can result in significant business impact through potential regulatory violations, compliance failures, and compromised security postures.
The recommended mitigations for CVE-2013-0510 involve immediate deployment of IBM Security AppScan Enterprise version 8.7 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the vulnerable security test implementation. Organizations should also implement network segmentation and monitoring to detect unusual external communications from the security testing platform, particularly those involving session cookie transmission. Network traffic analysis should be enhanced to identify and block unauthorized external server communications from security testing components. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing secure communication channels using encryption protocols such as TLS for any external communications, and should conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other security tools. The mitigation strategy should also include reviewing and updating security test configurations to eliminate unnecessary external communications and ensure proper session management practices are implemented throughout the security testing environment. This vulnerability highlights the importance of secure coding practices and proper security testing methodology, as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST cybersecurity frameworks.