CVE-2015-5384 in Axiom Google Web Toolkit Module
Summary
by MITRE
AxiomSL's Axiom Google Web Toolkit module 9.5.3 and earlier is vulnerable to a Session Fixation attack.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/21/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-5384 affects AxiomSL's Axiom Google Web Toolkit module version 9.5.3 and earlier, presenting a critical session management flaw that exposes systems to Session Fixation attacks. This vulnerability resides within the web application's authentication and session handling mechanisms, specifically in how the module manages user sessions after successful authentication. The flaw allows attackers to exploit the session management process by manipulating session identifiers, potentially enabling unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive data within the application environment.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability stems from improper session handling within the Google Web Toolkit implementation, where the module fails to properly invalidate or regenerate session identifiers upon user authentication. This weakness creates a scenario where an attacker can obtain a valid session token and then force a victim to use the same session identifier, effectively hijacking the victim's authenticated session. The vulnerability manifests when the application does not adequately separate the session identifier generation from the authentication process, allowing session tokens to remain static or predictable across authentication boundaries. This flaw aligns with CWE-384, which specifically addresses session fixation vulnerabilities in web applications where session identifiers are not properly managed during authentication transitions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to comprehensive account takeovers, data breaches, and potential lateral movement within affected networks. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability can maintain persistent access to user sessions, potentially gaining access to sensitive business data, financial records, or confidential information processed through the AxiomSL module. The attack vector typically involves intercepting session tokens through man-in-the-middle attacks, cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, or by exploiting other related weaknesses in the web application stack. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using the AxiomSL platform for financial or business process management, where session hijacking could result in significant financial loss and regulatory compliance violations.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5384 require immediate implementation of proper session management practices including session regeneration upon successful authentication, secure session token generation using cryptographically strong random number generators, and proper session invalidation mechanisms. Organizations should implement the principle of least privilege for session management components and ensure that session identifiers are transmitted only over secure channels using HTTPS protocols. The remediation process involves updating to AxiomSL module versions 9.5.4 or later, which contain fixes for session handling vulnerabilities, along with implementing comprehensive session monitoring and logging mechanisms. Security teams should also conduct regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to identify potential session management weaknesses in web applications. According to ATT&CK framework technique T1548.003, session hijacking and fixation attacks fall under privilege escalation methods, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for attackers seeking to maintain persistent access to compromised systems. Additionally, implementing proper input validation, secure coding practices, and regular security updates across the entire application stack will help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in other components of the system.