CVE-2013-3046 in Sametime Meeting Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Meeting Server in IBM Sametime 8.x through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1 does not send the HSTS Strict-Transport-Security header, which makes it easier for man-in-the-middle attackers to hijack sessions or obtain sensitive information by leveraging the presence of HTTP requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-3046 affects IBM Sametime Meeting Server versions 8.x through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1, representing a significant security weakness in the server's HTTP response handling mechanisms. This issue stems from the absence of the HSTS Strict-Transport-Security header in server responses, which fundamentally compromises the security of communication channels between clients and the meeting server. The vulnerability creates an exploitable condition that allows malicious actors to perform man-in-the-middle attacks with increased success rates, particularly when users interact with the Sametime meeting services over unencrypted connections. The lack of proper HSTS implementation leaves the system susceptible to various attack vectors that could lead to session hijacking and sensitive data exposure, making it a critical concern for organizations relying on this collaboration platform.
The technical flaw manifests in the server's failure to include the Strict-Transport-Security header in its HTTP responses, which should be implemented according to industry best practices and security standards. This header instructs web browsers to only communicate with the server over HTTPS connections, preventing protocol downgrade attacks and cookie hijacking attempts. Without this header, attackers can exploit the initial HTTP connection to intercept or manipulate communications, particularly when users access the meeting server through networks that may be compromised or when they navigate to the server using HTTP URLs. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the transmission of sensitive data over unencrypted channels. This weakness directly enables attackers to perform session hijacking by capturing session tokens or credentials that are transmitted in cleartext over HTTP connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it creates persistent security risks for organizations utilizing IBM Sametime Meeting Server for collaborative communications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to conduct session fixation attacks, capture authentication credentials, or inject malicious content into communication channels between meeting participants and the server. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where sensitive business information is frequently exchanged during meetings, as it provides attackers with opportunities to gain unauthorized access to confidential discussions, meeting data, and user credentials. The risk is compounded by the fact that many users may not be aware of the security implications of using HTTP connections, especially when transitioning between different network environments or when accessing the server through various client applications that may default to HTTP protocols.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to address the security gap in their IBM Sametime infrastructure. The primary remediation involves configuring the Meeting Server to include the Strict-Transport-Security header in all HTTP responses, ensuring that browsers enforce secure connections and prevent downgrade attacks. This configuration should be implemented according to the standards outlined in the OWASP Secure Headers Project, which recommends proper HSTS header implementation with appropriate max-age values and includeSubDomains directives. Security teams should also conduct comprehensive network assessments to identify any remaining HTTP endpoints or services that may be vulnerable to similar attacks. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing automated monitoring solutions that can detect and alert on any attempts to establish cleartext connections to the meeting server, following the principles of the MITRE ATT&CK framework for network security monitoring. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of fundamental web security practices and requires immediate attention to prevent potential exploitation by threat actors who may be actively targeting such weaknesses in collaboration platforms.