CVE-2013-6742 in Sametime
Summary
by MITRE
The Meeting Server in IBM Sametime 8.5.2 through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1 do not have an off autocomplete attribute for a password field, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/07/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6742 affects IBM Sametime Meeting Server versions 8.5.2 through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1, representing a significant security weakness in the authentication mechanism of this collaborative communication platform. This issue stems from the absence of the autocomplete="off" attribute on password fields within the web interface, creating an exploitable condition that allows remote attackers to leverage unattended workstations for unauthorized access attempts.
The technical flaw manifests in the web application's failure to properly disable browser-based password autocomplete functionality for authentication forms. When users access the Meeting Server interface on unattended workstations, the browser's built-in password manager may automatically populate password fields with previously stored credentials, effectively bypassing the intended authentication process. This vulnerability operates under the principle of credential reuse and session hijacking, where attackers can exploit the automatic filling of authentication fields to gain access to user accounts without proper authorization. The flaw directly correlates to CWE-384, which addresses the use of predictable session identifiers and improper session management, while also relating to CWE-200, concerning information exposure through improper error handling.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it creates a vector for privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive collaboration environments. Attackers can exploit this weakness by positioning themselves near unattended workstations, where they can leverage the automatic password filling to access Sametime meetings and potentially gain access to confidential business communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where multiple users may leave their workstations unattended, creating persistent access points for malicious actors. This weakness significantly reduces the security posture of the Meeting Server and can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to business communications, and potential compromise of the entire Sametime collaboration infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-6742 should focus on implementing proper web application security controls and user awareness training. Organizations should immediately deploy patches provided by IBM to address the specific vulnerability in the Meeting Server software, ensuring that the autocomplete="off" attribute is properly implemented on all password fields. Additionally, security teams should enforce strict workstation security policies, including mandatory screen locks after periods of inactivity, and implement multi-factor authentication mechanisms to add additional layers of security. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious access patterns, particularly around unattended workstations. The implementation of these controls aligns with ATT&CK framework techniques such as T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential harvesting, ensuring comprehensive protection against exploitation attempts. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other applications and systems, maintaining a robust defense-in-depth strategy to protect against credential-based attacks.