CVE-2016-9703 in Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance does not invalidate session tokens which could allow an unauthorized user with physical access to the work station to obtain sensitive information.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-9703 affects IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance, a critical component in identity and access management systems that handles sensitive authentication and authorization processes. This security flaw represents a significant weakness in the appliance's session management architecture, specifically concerning how it handles session token invalidation. The vulnerability arises from the appliance's failure to properly terminate or invalidate session tokens when users log out or when certain security events occur, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by unauthorized actors.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the session management subsystem of the IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance, where the system does not adequately enforce session token invalidation mechanisms. When a legitimate user logs out of the system, the session tokens that were previously issued remain active and usable, allowing an attacker who gains physical access to the workstation to potentially leverage these active sessions. This issue stems from inadequate session lifecycle management and failure to properly revoke access tokens upon user logout or system events that should trigger session termination. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-613 as "Insufficient Session Expiration" which specifically addresses the failure to properly invalidate session tokens, making it particularly dangerous in environments where physical security controls may be compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers with physical access to potentially escalate privileges and obtain sensitive information from the identity management system. An unauthorized user who gains physical access to a workstation running the IBM Security Identity Manager Virtual Appliance could exploit this vulnerability to maintain persistent access to the system without proper authentication. This creates a significant risk for organizations relying on the appliance for identity management, as it undermines the fundamental security principle of least privilege and could lead to data breaches, unauthorized system modifications, and potential lateral movement within the network. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the session management layer, affecting all users who have previously authenticated to the system and whose sessions were not properly terminated.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including enhanced physical security controls, regular monitoring of active sessions, and implementation of additional access controls beyond the appliance's built-in session management. The recommended approach involves configuring the system to enforce stricter session timeout mechanisms, implementing automated session cleanup processes, and establishing monitoring procedures to detect and respond to unusual session activity. Security professionals should also consider deploying network segmentation and access controls to limit physical access to workstations running the appliance. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability aligns with techniques involving credential access and privilege escalation, specifically targeting the T1550.001 technique for use of stolen credentials. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper session management as outlined in NIST SP 800-63B guidelines for identity management systems, where session tokens must be properly invalidated upon logout or session termination to maintain system integrity and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.