CVE-2018-1127 in Gluster Storage
Summary
by MITRE
Tendrl API in Red Hat Gluster Storage before 3.4.0 does not immediately remove session tokens after a user logs out. Session tokens remain active for a few minutes allowing attackers to replay tokens acquired via sniffing/MITM attacks and authenticate as the target user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/08/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1127 affects the Tendrl API component within Red Hat Gluster Storage versions prior to 3.4.0, representing a critical session management flaw that undermines the security of user authentication mechanisms. This weakness stems from improper session token handling where the system fails to immediately invalidate authentication tokens upon user logout, creating a window of opportunity for malicious actors to exploit. The vulnerability manifests as a session fixation and replay attack vector, where compromised tokens remain valid for several minutes post-logout, allowing unauthorized access to user accounts.
The technical implementation flaw resides in the session token lifecycle management within the Tendrl API, which does not enforce immediate token invalidation upon logout events. This behavior creates a temporal gap during which session tokens can be captured through network sniffing or man-in-the-middle attacks and subsequently replayed to impersonate legitimate users. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-613, which addresses insufficient session expiration, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1563.002 for credential access through session hijacking. The delayed token removal creates an exploitable condition where attackers can leverage stolen tokens to maintain persistent access to systems and data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to perform privileged operations within the Gluster Storage environment. The persistence of session tokens allows for extended periods of unauthorized activity, potentially leading to data compromise, system manipulation, and escalation of privileges. Organizations using affected versions of Red Hat Gluster Storage face significant risk of unauthorized data access and potential system compromise, particularly in environments where network traffic may be intercepted or monitored. The vulnerability is especially concerning in enterprise environments where storage systems handle sensitive data and require robust authentication controls.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1127 primarily involve upgrading to Red Hat Gluster Storage version 3.4.0 or later, which implements proper session token invalidation upon user logout. System administrators should also implement additional security controls including network encryption, secure authentication protocols, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. The implementation of automatic session timeout mechanisms and token rotation further strengthens defense in depth. Organizations should conduct vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and establish monitoring procedures for detecting potential token replay attacks. Security teams should also review and enhance their incident response procedures to address potential session hijacking incidents. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper session management as outlined in OWASP top ten security risks and emphasizes the need for comprehensive authentication lifecycle management.