CVE-2013-4725 in Cm3 Acora Content Management System
Summary
by MITRE
DDSN Interactive cm3 Acora CMS 6.0.6/1a, 6.0.2/1a, 5.5.7/12b, 5.5.0/1b-p1, and possibly other versions, does not set the secure flag for an unspecified cookie in an https session, which makes it easier for remote attackers to capture this cookie by intercepting its transmission within an http session.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4725 affects DDSN Interactive cm3 Acora CMS versions 6.0.6/1a, 6.0.2/1a, 5.5.7/12b, 5.5.0/1b-p1, and potentially other versions. This security flaw resides in the cookie management implementation of the content management system, specifically concerning the secure flag configuration for session cookies. The issue manifests when the CMS fails to properly configure the secure flag for cookies transmitted over https sessions, creating a significant security risk that impacts the overall integrity of the authentication mechanism.
The technical flaw represents a failure in proper cookie security implementation where the secure flag is not being set on cookies that should be transmitted only over encrypted connections. This allows attackers to intercept cookies during transmission and potentially compromise user sessions, particularly when the same cookies are accessed through both http and https protocols. The vulnerability stems from improper session management practices that fail to distinguish between secure and non-secure transmission contexts, creating a pathway for credential theft and session hijacking attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session management issues to encompass broader security implications for web applications using the affected CMS. Attackers can exploit this weakness by intercepting network traffic to capture session cookies that should only be transmitted over secure channels. This makes it significantly easier for malicious actors to perform session hijacking, credential theft, and unauthorized access to administrative functions. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of the CMS, indicating a systemic issue rather than a localized bug that might be quickly patched.
Security professionals should recognize this vulnerability as a manifestation of CWE-614, which specifically addresses the improper handling of cookies with the secure flag. The flaw also aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential access through the interception of network traffic. Organizations using affected CMS versions should immediately implement mitigations including proper cookie configuration, mandatory secure flag enforcement, and network monitoring to detect potential interception attempts. Additionally, the vulnerability highlights the importance of following secure coding practices and implementing proper session management protocols that align with industry standards such as those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST guidelines for web application security.