CVE-2016-8023 in VirusScan Enterprise Linux
Summary
by MITRE
Authentication bypass by assumed-immutable data vulnerability in Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux (VSEL) 2.0.3 (and earlier) allows remote unauthenticated attacker to bypass server authentication via a crafted authentication cookie.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-8023 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw within Intel Security VirusScan Enterprise Linux version 2.0.3 and earlier releases. This issue stems from the improper handling of authentication cookies, specifically allowing attackers to manipulate session tokens that should remain immutable. The flaw exists in the server-side authentication mechanism where the system assumes certain data elements cannot be altered by malicious actors, creating a dangerous assumption that leads to unauthorized access. The vulnerability falls under the category of CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and more specifically aligns with CWE-345, which deals with insufficient verification of data integrity. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specially designed authentication cookies that bypass the normal authentication flow, effectively allowing them to gain access to protected server resources without proper credentials.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs at the session management layer where the authentication system relies on cookie values that are expected to remain unchanged during the authentication process. When the system processes these cookies, it fails to properly validate or verify the integrity of the data contained within them. This assumption of immutability creates a pathway for attackers to modify cookie values to impersonate legitimate users or gain administrative privileges. The flaw demonstrates poor security design principles where the system architecture does not adequately protect against tampering with authentication data, which is a fundamental security requirement. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the application layer and requires no prior authentication credentials to exploit, making it an attractive target for remote attackers. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1078 which covers valid accounts and T1566 which covers credential access through various methods including session hijacking and authentication bypass techniques.
The operational impact of CVE-2016-8023 extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially allowing attackers to execute arbitrary commands on the affected server, modify critical security policies, or access sensitive data repositories managed by the VirusScan Enterprise Linux system. Organizations using affected versions face significant risks including data breaches, system compromise, and potential lateral movement within their network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the core security posture of the platform by undermining the fundamental authentication mechanisms that protect enterprise security systems. Security teams must recognize that this flaw enables attackers to bypass multiple layers of security controls that would normally prevent unauthorized access to critical enterprise resources. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target vulnerable systems from anywhere on the internet without requiring physical access or local network presence. This characteristic makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where such systems may be exposed to external networks or where insufficient network segmentation exists to isolate critical security infrastructure. Organizations should consider implementing immediate mitigations including patching to the latest available versions, disabling vulnerable authentication mechanisms, and monitoring for suspicious authentication activities that may indicate exploitation attempts.