CVE-2015-0201 in Spring Framework
Summary
by MITRE
The Java SockJS client in Pivotal Spring Framework 4.1.x before 4.1.5 generates predictable session ids, which allows remote attackers to send messages to other sessions via unspecified vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-0201 affects the Java SockJS client implementation within Pivotal Spring Framework versions 4.1.x prior to 4.1.5. This weakness stems from the predictable generation of session identifiers, creating a significant security risk that could be exploited by remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to session communications. The flaw specifically impacts applications that utilize the SockJS protocol for WebSocket-like communication, which is commonly employed in real-time web applications requiring persistent connections between clients and servers. The vulnerability represents a critical breakdown in session management security where the randomness of session identifiers is insufficient to prevent predictable sequence generation, thereby undermining the fundamental security assumptions of session isolation and user authentication.
The technical flaw manifests in the insufficient entropy of session identifier generation within the SockJS client implementation. When session identifiers are predictable, attackers can potentially guess valid session tokens and hijack existing sessions to send messages to other users' sessions. This vulnerability operates through unspecified vectors that typically involve network-level interception of session tokens or exploitation of weaknesses in session management logic that allows attackers to infer session identifiers based on patterns or timing information. The predictable session generation creates a scenario where an attacker can establish a valid session token and potentially impersonate legitimate users or access sensitive session data. This weakness directly relates to CWE-330, which addresses insufficient entropy in random number generation, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential harvesting and T1071 for application layer protocol usage.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking to encompass potential data breaches, unauthorized access to user sessions, and disruption of application services. Applications using affected Spring Framework versions may experience unauthorized message delivery to unintended recipients, session data compromise, and potential escalation of privileges if session tokens contain authentication information. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of communications between clients and servers, particularly in applications that rely on real-time messaging systems where session isolation is critical. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially read or modify session data, impersonate legitimate users, or disrupt service availability by targeting specific session identifiers. The impact is particularly severe in environments where sensitive data is transmitted through SockJS connections, as the predictability of session identifiers removes the security benefits of session-based authentication and authorization mechanisms.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-0201 primarily involve upgrading to Spring Framework 4.1.5 or later versions where the session identifier generation has been improved to provide sufficient entropy and unpredictability. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as secure session token generation using cryptographically secure random number generators, regular session token rotation, and monitoring for unusual session activity patterns. Network-level protections including firewall rules, intrusion detection systems, and secure communication protocols can provide additional layers of defense against exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper session management practices including secure session cookie attributes, session timeout mechanisms, and regular security audits of web applications can help reduce the attack surface. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing application firewalls and web application security monitoring to detect and prevent exploitation attempts targeting predictable session identifiers, ensuring that all affected applications are updated and that proper security configurations are maintained to prevent unauthorized access to session-based communications.