CVE-2014-0909 in Rational License Key Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Administration and Reporting Tool in IBM Rational License Key Server (RLKS) 8.1.4.x before 8.1.4.4 does not set the secure flag for the session 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 • 03/29/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-0909 affects IBM Rational License Key Server version 8.1.4.x before 8.1.4.4, specifically within its Administration and Reporting Tool component. This issue represents a critical security flaw in session management that undermines the integrity of secure communications between clients and the license server. The vulnerability stems from improper cookie security configuration where the tool fails to implement the secure flag for session cookies even when operating over HTTPS connections.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of the secure flag in session cookies, which is a fundamental security mechanism designed to prevent cookie transmission over unencrypted channels. When the secure flag is properly implemented, it ensures that cookies are only transmitted over HTTPS connections and are rejected by browsers if an attacker attempts to intercept them during HTTP transmission. This vulnerability creates a pathway for man-in-the-middle attacks and session hijacking, as attackers can potentially capture session cookies during network traffic interception, particularly when transitioning between HTTP and HTTPS protocols or when users inadvertently access the system through unencrypted connections.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session management concerns, as it directly compromises the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the IBM Rational License Key Server. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially impersonate legitimate users, gain unauthorized access to license management functions, and potentially manipulate license configurations. This represents a significant risk for organizations that rely on proper license control and access management for their software assets. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where license servers manage critical software licensing and where unauthorized access could lead to license abuse or unauthorized software deployment.
From a cybersecurity framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-614, which specifically addresses the insecure transmission of session cookies, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through interception. The weakness creates opportunities for attackers to perform session hijacking attacks and can be leveraged as part of broader exploitation chains targeting enterprise software infrastructure. Organizations using affected versions of IBM Rational License Key Server should prioritize immediate patching to address this vulnerability. The recommended mitigation involves upgrading to IBM Rational License Key Server version 8.1.4.4 or later, which properly implements the secure flag for session cookies. Additionally, network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as mandatory HTTPS enforcement, network segmentation, and monitoring for unusual access patterns to detect potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cookie security configuration in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of authentication mechanisms in enterprise software platforms.