CVE-2016-2304 in IntegraXor
Summary
by MITRE
Ecava IntegraXor before 5.0 build 4522 does not include the HTTPOnly flag in a Set-Cookie header for the session cookie, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain potentially sensitive information via script access to this cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/19/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-2304 affects Ecava IntegraXor versions prior to 5.0 build 4522 and represents a critical security flaw in session management implementation. This weakness specifically pertains to the absence of the HTTPOnly flag in Set-Cookie headers that are generated during web application sessions. The HTTPOnly flag serves as a crucial security mechanism that prevents client-side script access to session cookies, thereby mitigating the risk of cross-site scripting attacks that could otherwise compromise user sessions. Without this flag, session cookies become accessible to malicious javascript code executed within the browser context, creating a significant attack surface for threat actors seeking to hijack user sessions or extract sensitive authentication tokens.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's cookie handling mechanism where session identifiers are transmitted without proper security attributes that would normally be implemented in secure web applications. When a web application sets a cookie without the HTTPOnly flag, it exposes the cookie to potential exploitation through XSS attacks where malicious scripts can access the cookie value using document.cookie or similar javascript APIs. This vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-1004 which describes the lack of proper protection against XSS attacks through insecure cookie handling. The absence of HTTPOnly flag enforcement creates a condition where session management becomes fundamentally flawed, as the cookie can be accessed by any script running on the same domain, making it particularly dangerous in environments where user input is not properly sanitized or where the application might be vulnerable to other attack vectors.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to perform session hijacking attacks that can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts and sensitive application data. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness by injecting malicious javascript into web pages or by exploiting other vulnerabilities to execute code that retrieves the session cookie from the browser. Once obtained, the session cookie can be used to impersonate legitimate users and gain access to protected resources without proper authentication. This vulnerability particularly affects web applications that rely heavily on session-based authentication and user management, making it a significant concern for enterprise environments where user data protection is paramount. The attack vector is relatively straightforward, requiring only basic knowledge of javascript and web application security principles to exploit effectively.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-2304 focus primarily on implementing proper cookie security attributes within the application's session management framework. The most effective immediate solution involves configuring the web application to include the HTTPOnly flag in all Set-Cookie headers, which can be accomplished through application code modifications or web server configuration changes. Security patches and updates to Ecava IntegraXor version 5.0 build 4522 or later should be implemented promptly to address this vulnerability. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any other cookies that might be missing the HTTPOnly flag or other security attributes such as Secure flag. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers to restrict script execution, proper input validation to prevent XSS injection, and regular security testing including automated scanning and manual penetration testing. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following OWASP Top Ten security guidelines and adhering to secure coding practices that emphasize proper cookie management and session handling as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques where cookie manipulation represents a common attack method for session hijacking.