CVE-2018-1480 in BigFix Platform
Summary
by MITRE
IBM BigFix Platform 9.2.0 through 9.2.14 and 9.5 through 9.5.9 does not set the 'HttpOnly' attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies. If a Cross-Site Scripting vulnerability also existed attackers may be able to get the cookie values via malicious JavaScript and then hijack the user session. IBM X-Force ID: 140762.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1480 affects IBM BigFix Platform versions 9.2.0 through 9.2.14 and 9.5 through 9.5.9, representing a critical security flaw in session management implementation. This issue stems from the platform's failure to properly configure session cookies with the HttpOnly attribute, which creates a significant attack vector for malicious actors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it enables session hijacking when combined with existing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities, making it a prime target for sophisticated attack campaigns.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper configuration of session cookies within the IBM BigFix Platform authentication mechanism. When the HttpOnly attribute is not set on session cookies, it allows client-side JavaScript running in the victim's browser to access cookie values through document.cookie or similar APIs. This attribute serves as a crucial security barrier that prevents malicious scripts from extracting sensitive session information, which is fundamental to maintaining user authentication state. The absence of this protection creates an exploitable condition where attackers can steal session tokens and impersonate legitimate users.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking, as it fundamentally compromises the authentication security model of the platform. Attackers who can execute cross-site scripting attacks against the BigFix environment can leverage this flaw to obtain active session tokens and gain unauthorized access to administrative functions, user accounts, and sensitive data within the platform. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations that rely on BigFix for endpoint management and security operations, as compromised sessions could lead to full administrative control over the management infrastructure. The risk is amplified in environments where multiple users interact with the platform, as each compromised session represents a potential entry point for broader network compromise.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including setting the HttpOnly attribute on all session cookies and ensuring proper cookie security configurations. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-1004 which specifically addresses the lack of HttpOnly cookie flag implementation, and it maps to ATT&CK technique T1548.002 related to abuse of authentication tokens. Additional defensive measures include implementing Content Security Policy headers, regularly updating the platform to patched versions, and conducting comprehensive security assessments to identify and remediate any existing cross-site scripting vulnerabilities that could be exploited in conjunction with this flaw. The IBM security advisory recommends upgrading to patched versions of the platform and implementing proper cookie security configurations as immediate remediation steps.