CVE-2017-17735 in CMS Made Simple
Summary
by MITRE
CMS Made Simple (CMSMS) before 2.2.5 does not properly cache login information in cookies.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2017-17735 affects CMS Made Simple versions prior to 2.2.5, specifically targeting the application's handling of authentication state within cookie-based session management. This flaw represents a critical security weakness that undermines the integrity of user authentication mechanisms and exposes systems to unauthorized access. The issue stems from improper caching of login information within cookies, creating a scenario where session data persists in an insecure manner that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical implementation flaw occurs when the CMSMS application stores authentication tokens or session identifiers in browser cookies without proper validation mechanisms or secure handling protocols. This improper cookie management allows for potential session hijacking attacks where an attacker can potentially reuse cached authentication information to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The vulnerability specifically manifests in the application's failure to properly implement secure cookie attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags, which are fundamental requirements for protecting session data in web applications. This weakness aligns with CWE-384, which addresses the use of insecure cookies in web applications, and represents a direct violation of secure coding practices outlined in OWASP Top Ten.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it creates persistent security risks for organizations relying on CMS Made Simple for content management. Attackers can exploit this weakness to maintain prolonged access to compromised accounts, potentially leading to data breaches, content manipulation, or further lateral movement within affected networks. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the fundamental authentication layer of the application, meaning that any user who successfully authenticates through the vulnerable system may have their session compromised. This creates a cascading security risk where a single compromised login can lead to broader system infiltration, especially in environments where users may have elevated privileges or administrative access to sensitive content management systems.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigation strategies including mandatory application updates to CMSMS version 2.2.5 or later, which contain the necessary patches to address the cookie handling vulnerability. Security teams must also conduct comprehensive audits of existing cookie configurations and implement proper secure cookie attributes across all web applications. Additional defensive measures include implementing robust session management protocols, deploying web application firewalls to monitor for suspicious authentication patterns, and establishing enhanced monitoring for unauthorized access attempts. The remediation process should also include user education regarding the importance of secure authentication practices and the risks associated with maintaining persistent sessions in potentially insecure environments, as outlined in the mitre ATT&CK framework's credential access techniques that target session management weaknesses.