CVE-2014-0634 in VPLEX GeoSynchrony
Summary
by MITRE
EMC VPLEX GeoSynchrony 4.x and 5.x before 5.3 does not include the HTTPOnly flag in a Set-Cookie header for an unspecified cookie, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information via script access to this cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/09/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2014-0634 affects EMC VPLEX GeoSynchrony versions 4.x and 5.x prior to 5.3, representing a critical security flaw in web application session management. This issue stems from the improper implementation of HTTP cookie security mechanisms within the application's authentication framework. The vulnerability specifically relates to the absence of the HTTPOnly flag in Set-Cookie headers, which creates an exploitable condition that undermines the security posture of the affected system. The flaw allows malicious actors to access sensitive session information through client-side script execution, fundamentally compromising the integrity of user authentication states.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the web application's cookie handling mechanism where session cookies are issued without the HTTPOnly attribute. This attribute serves as a crucial security barrier that prevents client-side scripts from accessing cookie content, thereby mitigating cross-site scripting attacks that could otherwise extract session tokens. Without this protection, attackers can leverage DOM-based XSS techniques or other script-based exploitation methods to access the vulnerable cookie through JavaScript execution. The vulnerability falls under CWE-1004 which specifically addresses the lack of HTTPOnly flag in cookies, making it susceptible to session hijacking and credential theft attacks. The attack vector operates through the exploitation of browser-based scripting capabilities where malicious code can directly access cookie values that would otherwise be protected from script access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it creates a pathway for more sophisticated attacks including session hijacking, privilege escalation, and potential unauthorized system access. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to steal active user sessions, impersonate legitimate users, and gain unauthorized access to sensitive data and system functions within the VPLEX GeoSynchrony environment. The vulnerability affects the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges and access restricted administrative functions. This represents a significant risk to data confidentiality and system integrity, particularly in enterprise environments where the VPLEX GeoSynchrony system manages critical storage infrastructure and data replication processes. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that the vulnerability affects multiple versions of the software, indicating a persistent flaw in the application's security architecture.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must focus on immediate remediation through software updates and configuration changes. The primary solution involves upgrading to EMC VPLEX GeoSynchrony version 5.3 or later where the HTTPOnly flag has been properly implemented in cookie headers. Organizations should also implement comprehensive cookie security policies that mandate the inclusion of HTTPOnly, Secure, and SameSite attributes in all session cookies. Network-level protections including web application firewalls and intrusion detection systems can provide additional defense-in-depth measures to monitor for exploitation attempts. Security configurations should include regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify similar implementation flaws in other applications. The remediation process must also incorporate security awareness training for development teams to prevent similar issues in future application releases, ensuring that cookie security best practices are consistently applied throughout the software development lifecycle. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing proper cookie security mechanisms as outlined in the OWASP Top Ten and NIST security frameworks, where session management flaws consistently rank among the most exploited vulnerabilities in enterprise applications.