CVE-2018-1340 in Guacamole
Summary
by MITRE
Prior to 1.0.0, Apache Guacamole used a cookie for client-side storage of the user's session token. This cookie lacked the "secure" flag, which could allow an attacker eavesdropping on the network to intercept the user's session token if unencrypted HTTP requests are made to the same domain.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/06/2023
Apache Guacamole versions prior to 1.0.0 contained a critical session management vulnerability that stemmed from improper cookie security implementation. The vulnerability specifically affected how the application handled client-side session token storage through HTTP cookies, creating an exploitable condition that violated fundamental web security principles. The session token, which serves as the primary means of authenticating users within the application, was being transmitted and stored in a manner that made it susceptible to interception during network transmission.
The technical flaw manifested in the absence of the "secure" flag within the session cookie configuration. This flag is essential for ensuring that cookies are only transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections and never sent over unencrypted HTTP connections. Without this security attribute, the cookie would be transmitted regardless of the connection security level, making it vulnerable to interception by attackers who could capture the session token during man-in-the-middle attacks or network eavesdropping operations. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-614, which addresses the improper storage of sensitive data in cookies, and more specifically to CWE-311, which deals with missing encryption of sensitive data.
The operational impact of this vulnerability was significant as it allowed attackers to compromise user sessions without requiring additional authentication credentials or complex attack vectors. An attacker positioned within the network traffic flow could intercept HTTP requests containing the vulnerable session cookie and subsequently impersonate legitimate users. This compromise could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, privilege escalation, and potential lateral movement within the network environment. The vulnerability was particularly dangerous because it exploited the fundamental trust model of web applications where session tokens are expected to remain confidential and secure during transmission.
Organizations utilizing Apache Guacamole versions prior to 1.0.0 were exposed to persistent security risks that could be exploited by attackers with minimal technical expertise. The vulnerability aligned with ATT&CK technique T1566, which involves initial access through spearphishing attachments or links, and T1548.001, which covers legitimate credentials. The lack of proper cookie security measures created an attack surface that could be leveraged for credential theft and session hijacking. The recommended mitigation strategy involved upgrading to Apache Guacamole version 1.0.0 or later, which properly implemented the secure flag for session cookies. Additional protective measures included enforcing HTTPS throughout the application deployment, implementing proper network segmentation, and ensuring that all communication channels were encrypted using strong TLS protocols. The vulnerability demonstrated the critical importance of proper cookie security configuration and highlighted how seemingly minor implementation details could result in significant security compromises within web applications.