CVE-2017-6617 in Integrated Management Controller
Summary
by MITRE
A vulnerability in the session identification management functionality of the web-based GUI of Cisco Integrated Management Controller (IMC) 3.0(1c) could allow an unauthenticated, remote attacker to hijack a valid user session on an affected system. The vulnerability exists because the affected software does not assign a new session identifier to a user session when a user authenticates to the web-based GUI. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability by using a hijacked session identifier to connect to the software through the web-based GUI. A successful exploit could allow the attacker to hijack an authenticated user's browser session on the affected system. Cisco Bug IDs: CSCvd14583.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/21/2020
The vulnerability described in CVE-2017-6617 represents a critical session management flaw within Cisco's Integrated Management Controller version 3.0(1c) web-based graphical user interface. This issue stems from the improper handling of session identifiers during the authentication process, creating a pathway for unauthenticated remote attackers to exploit session hijacking techniques. The vulnerability specifically affects the session identification management functionality, which is fundamental to maintaining secure user authentication states within web applications. The flaw allows attackers to maintain persistent access to systems by leveraging stolen session tokens, effectively bypassing normal authentication mechanisms.
This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-384, which categorizes session fixation issues where applications fail to properly invalidate or regenerate session identifiers upon user authentication. The technical implementation flaw occurs when the web-based GUI fails to assign a new session identifier to users who successfully authenticate, meaning that existing session tokens remain valid and usable by unauthorized parties. The root cause lies in the software's failure to implement proper session management protocols that should automatically regenerate session identifiers after successful authentication events. This creates a persistent security weakness where session tokens become reusable across different user contexts without proper validation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to assume legitimate user roles within the system without needing valid credentials. An attacker could exploit this by capturing a valid session identifier from an authenticated user, then using that identifier to establish their own connection to the web-based GUI. This session hijacking capability allows for complete system compromise, enabling unauthorized access to sensitive configuration data, system management functions, and potentially leading to further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of the management interface, as attackers can perform administrative actions under the guise of legitimate users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on implementing proper session management practices including automatic session identifier regeneration upon authentication, implementing secure session token handling mechanisms, and deploying session timeout controls. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the impact of session hijacking. The fix requires modifying the web-based GUI to ensure that each successful authentication event triggers a new session identifier generation, preventing the reuse of stale session tokens. Network segmentation and monitoring of management interface access can help detect suspicious session activity, while regular security assessments should verify proper implementation of session management controls. This vulnerability highlights the critical importance of following secure coding practices and adhering to established security frameworks that address session management as outlined in the ATT&CK framework's credential access tactics and techniques.