CVE-2013-4091 in SecureSphere
Summary
by MITRE
The SecureSphere Operations Manager (SOM) Management Server in Imperva SecureSphere 9.0.0.5 does not have an off autocomplete attribute for the password (aka j_password) field on the secsphLogin.jsp login page, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4091 affects the SecureSphere Operations Manager Management Server component within Imperva SecureSphere version 9.0.0.5. This security flaw resides in the secsphLogin.jsp login page where the password field lacks the autocomplete="off" attribute. The absence of this critical security configuration element creates a significant exposure that can be exploited by remote attackers seeking unauthorized access to the system. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication mechanism by failing to prevent browser-based password auto-completion features from storing and suggesting credentials.
This technical flaw represents a classic case of insufficient input validation and security misconfiguration that falls under CWE-384, which addresses the use of browser-based password management features in web applications. The vulnerability enables attackers to leverage the automatic password completion features of web browsers when users access the login page from unattended workstations. When a user visits the login page and enters their credentials, the browser may store these details in its password manager due to the missing autocomplete attribute. This creates a vector for credential theft through simple browser-based exploitation techniques that require minimal technical skill and effort.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security implications for organizations relying on SecureSphere for database security management. Attackers can exploit this weakness by accessing unattended workstations where users have previously logged in, allowing them to retrieve stored credentials through the browser's auto-complete functionality. This particular attack vector is particularly dangerous because it does not require sophisticated exploitation techniques or network-level access to the application itself. The vulnerability essentially undermines the security of the authentication process by leveraging the inherent trust relationships between browsers and web applications.
Organizations utilizing Imperva SecureSphere 9.0.0.5 are particularly vulnerable to this attack because it operates at the application layer and requires no specialized tools or deep technical knowledge to execute successfully. The attack scenario becomes more plausible when considering that users often leave their workstations unattended, creating opportunities for opportunistic exploitation. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through social engineering and browser-based attacks. The lack of proper security configuration in the web application creates an environment where attackers can bypass traditional authentication security measures through simple browser-based exploitation methods.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves implementing the autocomplete="off" attribute on all sensitive input fields within the web application, particularly password fields and other authentication-related elements. This configuration change must be applied to the secsphLogin.jsp page and any other login or authentication pages within the SecureSphere Management Server interface. Security administrators should also implement additional controls such as session management improvements, automatic session timeout configurations, and mandatory authentication for all administrative functions. Organizations should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify all similar vulnerabilities across their web applications and ensure proper implementation of browser security best practices. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of considering browser-based security features as part of the overall application security architecture and highlights the need for regular security configuration reviews.