CVE-2013-7387 in DataLife Engine
Summary
by MITRE
Session fixation vulnerability in DataLife Engine (DLE) 9.7 and earlier allows remote attackers to hijack web sessions via the PHPSESSID cookie.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/30/2024
The CVE-2013-7387 vulnerability represents a critical session fixation flaw in DataLife Engine versions 9.7 and earlier, exposing web applications to remote session hijacking attacks. This vulnerability specifically targets the PHPSESSID cookie mechanism, which is fundamental to web application session management and authentication processes. The flaw allows remote attackers to exploit the session handling mechanism by forcing users to use predetermined session identifiers, thereby enabling unauthorized access to user sessions without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly regenerate session identifiers upon user authentication, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited across multiple user sessions.
This technical flaw directly relates to CWE-384, which addresses session fixation vulnerabilities in web applications. The vulnerability operates by allowing attackers to manipulate the PHPSESSID cookie value, effectively creating a scenario where an attacker can predict or control session identifiers that users will subsequently employ. When users authenticate to the vulnerable system, the application fails to generate new session tokens, leaving existing session identifiers vulnerable to exploitation. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques, making it accessible to attackers with basic web security knowledge. The vulnerability is classified as a server-side session management issue that violates fundamental security principles of session isolation and authentication integrity.
The operational impact of CVE-2013-7387 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling comprehensive account takeover scenarios and persistent session manipulation. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to maintain long-term access to user accounts, monitor user activities, and potentially escalate privileges within the application. The vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanism of DataLife Engine, which is widely used for content management and user authentication systems. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the platform, as successful exploitation can lead to complete compromise of user sessions and potential data breaches. The vulnerability's impact is amplified because it affects the entire user base of vulnerable DLE installations, making it a high-priority security concern for administrators managing multiple user accounts and sensitive data.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-7387 require immediate implementation of proper session management practices and application updates. Organizations should prioritize upgrading to DataLife Engine versions that address this vulnerability, as the original affected versions lack proper session regeneration mechanisms. Security measures should include implementing automatic session token regeneration upon successful authentication, enforcing secure session cookie attributes such as HttpOnly and Secure flags, and implementing proper session invalidation procedures. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1566, which addresses credential harvesting through various session management attacks, highlighting the need for comprehensive defensive measures. Additional protective measures include implementing session timeout mechanisms, monitoring for suspicious session activity, and conducting regular security assessments to identify similar vulnerabilities in web applications. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts.