CVE-2018-12910 in libsoup
Summary
by MITRE
soup_cookie_jar_get_cookies in soup-cookie-jar.c in libsoup allows attackers to have unspecified impact via an empty hostname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/03/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-12910 resides within the libsoup library's cookie handling mechanism, specifically in the soup_cookie_jar_get_cookies function located in soup-cookie-jar.c. This flaw represents a security weakness that could potentially allow attackers to manipulate cookie storage and retrieval operations within applications that depend on libsoup for HTTP communication. The vulnerability manifests when the hostname parameter is empty, creating an unexpected behavior that may lead to unauthorized access or data exposure. The unspecified impact suggests that the consequences could vary significantly depending on the specific implementation and environment where the vulnerable code is deployed. This type of vulnerability falls under the category of improper input validation, as the function fails to properly handle edge cases involving empty hostname values.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate validation of input parameters within the cookie jar management system. When an empty hostname is passed to the soup_cookie_jar_get_cookies function, the underlying cookie processing logic may not properly sanitize or reject this invalid input. This can result in cookies being retrieved or stored incorrectly, potentially exposing sensitive session information or allowing unauthorized cookie manipulation. The flaw essentially creates a path where malformed input can bypass normal cookie handling procedures, leading to unpredictable behavior in the HTTP client's cookie management. From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability could enable attackers to exploit the cookie handling system to perform session hijacking, cookie theft, or other malicious activities that leverage the improper cookie management.
The operational impact of CVE-2018-12910 extends beyond simple functionality degradation to potentially serious security implications for applications using libsoup. Systems that rely on proper cookie handling for authentication and session management could experience unauthorized access if attackers can manipulate the cookie retrieval process through empty hostname inputs. This vulnerability is particularly concerning in web applications, mobile apps, and network clients that depend on libsoup for HTTP operations, as it could allow attackers to bypass authentication mechanisms or access restricted resources. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when considering that libsoup is widely used across various Linux desktop environments and network applications, making numerous systems potentially vulnerable to exploitation. Organizations using affected software versions may experience data breaches or unauthorized system access if this vulnerability is not properly addressed.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-12910 should focus on both immediate patching and defensive programming practices. The primary recommendation is to update to the latest version of libsoup where this vulnerability has been addressed through proper input validation and handling of empty hostname parameters. System administrators should prioritize patching affected applications and libraries that depend on libsoup to prevent exploitation. Additionally, defensive programming measures should be implemented to validate all input parameters before processing, particularly when dealing with cookie management functions. Organizations should also consider implementing network monitoring to detect unusual cookie handling patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-20 Improper Input Validation, as it represents a failure to properly validate the hostname parameter. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability could be leveraged during the credential access phase, specifically through techniques involving session hijacking or token manipulation, making it a significant concern for organizations implementing security monitoring and incident response procedures.