CVE-2016-4027 in OX AppSuite
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Open-Xchange OX App Suite before 7.8.1-rev10. App Suite frontend offers to control whether a user wants to store cookies that exceed the session duration. This functionality is useful when logging in from clients with reduced privileges or shared environments. However the setting was incorrectly recognized and cookies were stored regardless of this setting when the login was performed using a non-interactive login method. In case the setting was enforced by middleware configuration or the user went through the interactive login page, the workflow was correct. Cookies with authentication information may become available to other users on shared environments. In case the user did not properly log out from the session, third parties with access to the same client can access a user's account.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-4027 affects Open-Xchange OX App Suite versions prior to 7.8.1-rev10, representing a critical session management flaw that undermines user authentication security in shared computing environments. This issue stems from improper handling of cookie persistence settings during non-interactive login processes, creating a significant security risk for users accessing the application from environments where multiple individuals may share the same device or browser instance. The flaw specifically manifests when users authenticate through automated or non-interactive methods, where the system fails to respect the user's explicit preference regarding cookie storage duration, effectively bypassing intended security controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability lies in the application's session handling logic, where the frontend's cookie management functionality is not consistently applied across all authentication pathways. When users access the system through interactive login pages, the cookie persistence setting works correctly, but when non-interactive login methods are employed, the system ignores the user's preference and stores authentication cookies regardless of the session duration setting. This inconsistency creates a scenario where authentication tokens remain accessible to subsequent users who might access the same browser or device, particularly problematic in shared environments such as public computers, libraries, or workplace settings where multiple individuals share computing resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privacy concerns to encompass potential account compromise and unauthorized access scenarios. Users who do not properly log out of their sessions leave authentication cookies stored on the device, creating an attack surface for third parties who gain physical access to the same client. This risk is particularly elevated in shared environments where users may not always remember to log out completely, or where logout procedures are not strictly enforced. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 for "Account Access Removal" and T1566 for "Phishing", as compromised sessions can lead to unauthorized account access and potential credential theft.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper session management controls that enforce cookie persistence settings consistently across all authentication methods. Organizations should ensure that all versions of OX App Suite are updated to 7.8.1-rev10 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to address the inconsistent cookie handling behavior. Additionally, administrators should configure middleware settings to enforce strict cookie management policies and implement automated logout procedures for shared environments. Security awareness training for users regarding proper logout procedures and the risks associated with shared computing environments should also be implemented. The fix should ensure that cookie persistence settings are consistently applied regardless of the authentication method used, whether interactive or non-interactive, thereby preventing unauthorized access to user accounts through stored authentication tokens in shared computing environments.