CVE-2014-6164 in WebSphere Application Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.0.x before 8.0.0.10 and 8.5.x before 8.5.5.4 allows remote attackers to spoof OpenID and OpenID Connect cookies, and consequently obtain sensitive information, via a crafted URL.
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2022
IBM WebSphere Application Server version 8.0.x prior to 8.0.0.10 and 8.5.x prior to 8.5.5.4 contains a critical security vulnerability that enables remote attackers to manipulate authentication cookies used in OpenID and OpenID Connect implementations. This vulnerability falls under the CWE-384 category of Session Management Flaws, specifically targeting the integrity of authentication tokens that should remain unforgeable and tamper-proof. The flaw stems from insufficient validation of cookie attributes and improper handling of authentication state information within the application server's session management mechanisms.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of URL parameters that influence cookie creation and validation processes. Attackers can craft malicious URLs that cause the application server to generate authentication cookies with predictable or manipulable attributes, allowing them to impersonate legitimate users within the OpenID authentication framework. This cookie spoofing capability enables unauthorized access to protected resources and sensitive information that should only be accessible to authenticated users. The vulnerability specifically impacts the OpenID Connect implementation within WebSphere, which relies on standard cookie-based session management for maintaining user authentication states across multiple requests.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass comprehensive data compromise and potential system infiltration. Remote attackers can leverage the spoofed cookies to access user sessions, view confidential data, perform unauthorized transactions, and potentially escalate privileges within the application environment. The attack vector does not require any special privileges or local access, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited from anywhere on the internet. This vulnerability creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited repeatedly against vulnerable WebSphere installations, potentially compromising large numbers of users and sensitive organizational data.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement the vendor-provided security patches and updates for WebSphere Application Server version 8.0.0.10 and 8.5.5.4 respectively. Additional mitigations include implementing proper cookie security attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags, conducting thorough security assessments of OpenID Connect implementations, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns in application logs. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the T1566.001 sub-technique related to credential access through manipulation of authentication processes. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced monitoring of authentication flows, and regular security audits of their web application frameworks to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being introduced in future deployments.