CVE-2016-0318 in Jazz Reporting Service
Summary
by MITRE
Lifecycle Query Engine (LQE) in IBM Jazz Reporting Service 6.0 and 6.0.1 before 6.0.1 iFix006 does not destroy a Session ID upon a logout action, which allows remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/10/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-0318 resides within the Lifecycle Query Engine component of IBM Jazz Reporting Service versions 6.0 and 6.0.1, specifically before the release of iFix006. This issue represents a critical session management flaw that directly impacts the security posture of organizations relying on this reporting platform. The vulnerability stems from improper session handling mechanisms where the system fails to properly invalidate or destroy session identifiers when users log out of the application. This oversight creates a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors who gain access to an unattended workstation. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which specifically addresses insufficient session expiration or invalidation, and represents a classic example of session management weakness that violates fundamental security principles.
The technical flaw manifests when a user performs a logout action within the IBM Jazz Reporting Service environment. Normally, a secure logout process should immediately invalidate the active session identifier and remove all associated session data from memory and storage. However, in affected versions, the Session ID remains active and accessible even after the logout operation completes successfully. This persistent session identifier can be leveraged by attackers who have physical or network access to an unattended workstation where a user has logged out but not closed their browser session. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it does not require complex exploitation techniques or special privileges, making it accessible to threat actors with minimal technical expertise. Attackers can simply wait for a user to step away from their workstation and then use the cached session identifier to maintain unauthorized access to the reporting service.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to significant data exposure and potential system compromise. Organizations utilizing IBM Jazz Reporting Service for project management, reporting, and collaboration may find their sensitive data accessible to unauthorized parties who exploit this session management weakness. The vulnerability can result in the disclosure of confidential project information, access to restricted reporting features, and potential privilege escalation if the session identifier grants elevated permissions. This risk is particularly acute in environments where multiple users share workstations or where security policies do not enforce strict session termination protocols. The vulnerability also violates several security best practices and standards including those outlined in the OWASP Top Ten, specifically addressing session management vulnerabilities that can lead to unauthorized access and data breaches.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate remediation through the application of the available iFix006 patch from IBM, which properly addresses the session destruction issue in the LQE component. Organizations should also implement additional compensating controls such as enforcing automatic session timeouts, implementing strict browser session management policies, and ensuring that users are trained to properly close their browser sessions when stepping away from workstations. Network-level controls including session monitoring and alerting mechanisms can help detect and respond to suspicious session activity. Security teams should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication for sensitive reporting systems and regularly audit session management configurations to ensure proper enforcement of session termination policies. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session management in web applications and highlights the need for comprehensive security testing that includes session lifecycle validation. The issue also relates to ATT&CK technique T1563.002 which involves credential access through session hijacking, emphasizing the need for robust session management practices that prevent unauthorized access to authenticated sessions.