CVE-2013-4092 in SecureSphere
Summary
by MITRE
The SecureSphere Operations Manager (SOM) Management Server in Imperva SecureSphere 9.0.0.5 allows context-dependent attackers to obtain sensitive information by leveraging the presence of (1) a session ID in the jsessionid field to secsphLogin.jsp or (2) credentials in the j_password parameter to j_acegi_security_check, and reading (a) web-server access logs, (b) web-server Referer logs, or (c) the browser history.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/10/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4092 affects Imperva SecureSphere 9.0.0.5 SecureSphere Operations Manager Management Server, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that exploits improper handling of authentication tokens and credentials within the web application layer. This vulnerability resides in the authentication mechanism of the web interface, specifically in the way the system processes session identifiers and authentication parameters, creating a pathway for attackers to extract sensitive information through indirect means rather than direct exploitation.
The technical flaw manifests through two distinct attack vectors that leverage the predictable nature of session management and authentication parameter handling. Attackers can exploit the presence of session IDs within the jsessionid field when accessing the secsphLogin.jsp endpoint, or alternatively target the j_password parameter in the j_acegi_security_check endpoint. Both vectors operate under the premise that sensitive information flows through web server logs and browser history mechanisms, which are typically not protected against unauthorized access. The vulnerability stems from the fact that session identifiers and authentication credentials are not properly sanitized or protected during their journey through the web application stack, making them accessible through standard logging mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a persistent threat vector that can be exploited across multiple attack scenarios. When attackers successfully obtain session IDs or authentication credentials through log file analysis or browser history inspection, they gain the ability to impersonate legitimate users and potentially escalate privileges within the SecureSphere management interface. This vulnerability particularly affects the authentication security model of the system, as it undermines the fundamental assumption that session identifiers and authentication parameters remain confidential during the authentication process. The attack requires minimal privileges and can be executed through passive reconnaissance techniques, making it particularly dangerous in environments where web server logs are accessible to unauthorized parties.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which addresses information exposure, and specifically relates to CWE-312, which covers cleartext storage of sensitive data. From an attack perspective, this flaw maps to techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access and T1071 for application layer protocol usage. The attack chain involves initial reconnaissance through log file analysis followed by session hijacking and unauthorized access to management functions. Organizations may be vulnerable if they maintain web server logs containing session identifiers or if browser history is accessible to unauthorized users, creating a multi-layered attack surface that can be exploited through various indirect means.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper session management practices, including the use of secure session identifier generation algorithms and ensuring that session identifiers are not logged in plain text within web server logs. Organizations must implement comprehensive log sanitization procedures to remove authentication-related parameters from web server logs before they are stored or made accessible. Additionally, browser history management policies should be enforced to prevent unauthorized access to cached authentication information. The implementation of secure authentication protocols and proper access controls around web server log files can significantly reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular security audits should verify that session identifiers and authentication parameters are not inadvertently exposed through logging mechanisms, while network segmentation and access controls around management interfaces can provide additional defense layers against potential exploitation attempts.