CVE-2014-7809 in MySQL Enterprise Monitor
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Struts 2.0.0 through 2.3.x before 2.3.20 uses predictable <s:token/> values, which allows remote attackers to bypass the CSRF protection mechanism.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/06/2022
Apache Struts 2 framework versions 2.0.0 through 2.3.19 suffer from a critical vulnerability in their cross-site request forgery protection mechanism due to the use of predictable token values. This vulnerability specifically affects the <s:token/> tag implementation which is designed to generate unique tokens for each user session to prevent CSRF attacks. The predictable nature of these tokens stems from the underlying random number generation algorithm that produces tokens based on easily guessable patterns or insufficient entropy sources.
The technical flaw resides in the token generation process where the framework fails to utilize cryptographically secure random number generators for creating CSRF tokens. This weakness allows attackers to predict valid tokens by analyzing the pattern of previously generated values or by exploiting the deterministic nature of the random number generator. The vulnerability directly violates the principles outlined in CWE-330, which addresses the use of insufficiently random values in security contexts, and specifically targets the improper implementation of CSRF protection mechanisms.
Operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it completely undermines the CSRF protection that developers rely on when implementing the <s:token/> mechanism in their applications. Attackers can craft malicious requests that include valid CSRF tokens, thereby bypassing the intended security controls and executing unauthorized actions on behalf of authenticated users. This vulnerability enables attackers to perform actions such as changing user passwords, modifying account settings, or executing financial transactions without proper authorization, potentially leading to complete account compromise and data breaches.
The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and credential access, as attackers can leverage the bypassed CSRF protection to perform unauthorized actions. Organizations using affected Struts versions face significant risk as this vulnerability can be exploited through simple reconnaissance and token prediction techniques. The attack surface expands beyond individual applications to encompass entire web application infrastructures that depend on the Struts framework for CSRF protection.
Mitigation strategies include immediate upgrading to Apache Struts 2.3.20 or later versions where the token generation has been properly enhanced with cryptographically secure random number generators. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as implementing multi-factor authentication, monitoring for unusual token usage patterns, and conducting regular security assessments of their web applications. The fix addresses the root cause by ensuring that token generation utilizes proper entropy sources and cryptographic randomness to prevent predictable token values from being generated.