CVE-2014-3867 in Sametime
Summary
by MITRE
The Meeting Server in IBM Sametime 8.x through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1 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, a different vulnerability than CVE-2013-3984.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-3867 affects IBM Sametime Meeting Server versions 8.x through 8.5.2.1 and 9.x through 9.0.0.1, representing a critical security flaw in the server's cookie management implementation. This issue specifically pertains to the absence of the HTTPOnly flag in Set-Cookie headers, creating a significant vector for cross-site scripting attacks and unauthorized data access. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-1004 which addresses improper use of HTTPOnly cookies, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise communication environments where Sametime serves as a collaborative platform. The flaw exists in the server's HTTP response handling mechanism where session cookies are transmitted without proper security attributes that would prevent client-side script access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the Meeting Server's failure to properly configure session cookies with the HTTPOnly directive during the authentication and session management process. When a user authenticates to the Sametime Meeting Server, the server generates session identifiers that are stored in cookies sent to the client browser. Without the HTTPOnly flag, these cookies become accessible to JavaScript running in the browser context, allowing malicious scripts to extract sensitive session information. This creates a pathway for attackers to hijack user sessions, particularly when combined with other vulnerabilities or through social engineering techniques that can execute malicious code on the victim's browser. The vulnerability differs from CVE-2013-3984, indicating it represents a distinct security weakness in the cookie handling implementation rather than a related issue.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial for organizations relying on IBM Sametime for business communications and collaboration. Attackers exploiting this weakness can obtain session tokens and potentially gain unauthorized access to user accounts, leading to data breaches, privilege escalation, and unauthorized access to sensitive corporate communications. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the communication platform, as session hijacking attacks can result in complete compromise of user sessions. Organizations using Sametime for critical business operations face increased risk of insider threats, unauthorized surveillance, and potential data exfiltration. The attack surface is particularly concerning given that Sametime servers typically handle sensitive business communications and collaborative work environments where session security is paramount.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-3867 should focus on immediate configuration updates to ensure all session cookies include the HTTPOnly flag in their Set-Cookie headers. Organizations should implement comprehensive security reviews of their Sametime server configurations and ensure all cookie attributes are properly set according to security best practices. The recommended approach involves patching the affected versions to IBM Sametime 8.5.2.2 or 9.0.0.2, which contain the necessary security fixes. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unauthorized access attempts and session hijacking activities. Security teams should also consider implementing additional layers of authentication and session management controls, including the use of secure cookies with the Secure flag and proper session timeout mechanisms. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1566 (Phishing) and T1071.004 (Application Layer Protocol: DNS) as attackers may leverage this weakness in conjunction with other techniques to establish persistent access to the system. Organizations should also conduct regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify similar cookie-related vulnerabilities in their web applications and ensure compliance with OWASP Top Ten security standards.