CVE-2018-11571 in ClipperCMS
Summary
by MITRE
ClipperCMS 1.3.3 allows Session Fixation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2023
ClipperCMS version 1.3.3 contains a critical session management vulnerability that enables session fixation attacks, representing a significant security weakness in the application's authentication framework. This vulnerability falls under the Common Weakness Enumeration category CWE-384, which specifically addresses session fixation issues where an attacker can manipulate session identifiers to hijack user sessions. The flaw occurs when the application fails to properly regenerate session identifiers upon successful authentication, allowing malicious actors to maintain persistent access to user accounts through predetermined session tokens.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper session handling within the CMS authentication mechanism. When users log into the ClipperCMS system, the application does not adequately invalidate or regenerate the session identifier, creating a scenario where an attacker who has obtained a valid session token can reuse it to impersonate legitimate users. This weakness exists at the core of the application's session management protocol, where session tokens are not properly rotated after successful authentication events, leaving the system vulnerable to session hijacking attacks.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to perform privileged actions within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges, modify content, access sensitive user data, and potentially compromise the entire CMS infrastructure. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it can be exploited without requiring additional credentials beyond the initial session token, making it an attractive target for automated attack tools and malicious actors seeking persistent access to web applications.
Security professionals should implement immediate mitigations including session identifier regeneration upon successful authentication, proper session invalidation mechanisms, and comprehensive session management policies. The remediation approach should focus on ensuring that all session tokens are properly rotated after authentication events, following established security frameworks such as those outlined in the OWASP Session Management Cheat Sheet. Additionally, implementing secure session handling practices including the use of secure cookies, proper session timeout mechanisms, and regular session validation checks can significantly reduce the attack surface. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as multi-factor authentication and monitoring for suspicious session activity to further protect against exploitation of this vulnerability.