CVE-2017-11725 in Secret Server
Summary
by MITRE
The share function in Thycotic Secret Server before 10.2.000019 mishandles the Back Button, leading to unintended redirections.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/02/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-11725 affects Thycotic Secret Server versions prior to 10.2.000019, specifically within its share function implementation. This issue represents a web application security flaw that manifests through improper handling of browser navigation behavior, particularly when users interact with the back button functionality during share operations. The vulnerability stems from inadequate session management and navigation control mechanisms within the application's user interface components.
The technical flaw occurs when users navigate away from the share function and then return using the browser's back button. The application fails to properly validate or reset the state of the share functionality, resulting in unintended redirections to different pages or sections of the application. This improper handling of navigation events creates a path where users might be redirected to unauthorized areas or experience inconsistent application states. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-611, which deals with improper access control, and more specifically relates to improper handling of navigation events in web applications. The issue demonstrates weak input validation and inadequate state management during user interaction flows.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple user experience issues, as it could potentially enable unauthorized access to sensitive information within the Secret Server environment. Attackers could exploit this weakness to gain access to shared secrets or credentials that should remain restricted to authorized users. The unintended redirections might lead to information disclosure or privilege escalation scenarios, particularly in environments where sensitive credential management is critical. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers social engineering through manipulation of user interactions and navigation behavior. The flaw could be leveraged in combination with other techniques to create more sophisticated attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2017-11725 involve implementing proper session management controls and ensuring that navigation events are properly handled within the web application. Organizations should upgrade to Thycotic Secret Server version 10.2.000019 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additional protective measures include implementing robust input validation for navigation events, establishing proper state management during share operations, and conducting thorough security testing of user interaction flows. Security teams should also monitor for similar navigation-related vulnerabilities in other web applications and ensure that proper access controls are maintained throughout all user interaction points. The fix typically involves implementing proper client-side and server-side validation of navigation events and ensuring that application state is properly maintained or reset when users return to pages through browser navigation.