CVE-2018-1484 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 secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies. Attackers may be able to get the cookie values by sending a http:// link to a user or by planting this link in a site the user goes to. The cookie will be sent to the insecure link and the attacker can then obtain the cookie value by snooping the traffic. IBM X-Force ID: 140969.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability described in CVE-2018-1484 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 that directly impacts the platform's authentication mechanisms. This issue stems from the platform's failure to properly configure session cookies with the secure attribute, creating a significant attack surface that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability falls under the category of weak session management as classified by CWE-613, which specifically addresses the improper handling of session identifiers that can lead to session hijacking attacks. The flaw exists in the web application's cookie configuration where authorization tokens and session cookies lack the secure flag that would prevent transmission over unencrypted HTTP connections.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability allows attackers to execute a man-in-the-middle attack or perform cookie interception through various delivery mechanisms. An attacker can craft malicious HTTP links and either send them directly to users or embed them within compromised websites that users visit. When a user clicks such a link, the browser automatically includes any stored cookies in the HTTP request, even when the destination is an insecure HTTP endpoint. This occurs because the secure attribute is missing from the Set-Cookie header, which would normally instruct browsers to only transmit the cookie over HTTPS connections. The absence of this attribute means that cookies containing sensitive session information are transmitted in cleartext over HTTP, making them susceptible to network traffic interception and analysis.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with unauthorized access to authenticated sessions within the BigFix platform. This access can be leveraged to perform administrative actions, view sensitive data, modify system configurations, or escalate privileges within the platform's management interface. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects multiple versions of the BigFix Platform, indicating a systemic issue in the software's security implementation rather than a one-time coding error. The attack vector is relatively simple to execute, requiring only basic knowledge of web application security principles and the ability to craft malicious links or compromise web pages that users frequent. This makes the vulnerability highly exploitable in real-world scenarios where users may inadvertently click on malicious links or visit compromised websites.
Organizations using affected IBM BigFix Platform versions should immediately implement mitigations to address this vulnerability. The primary remediation involves configuring the web application to properly set the secure attribute on all session cookies and authorization tokens. This can be achieved through web server configuration changes or application-level code modifications that ensure the secure flag is included in Set-Cookie headers. Additionally, organizations should enforce mandatory HTTPS usage across all platform interfaces and implement HTTP Strict Transport Security (HSTS) headers to prevent downgrade attacks. Network-level protections such as web application firewalls and traffic monitoring systems can also help detect and prevent exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through spearphishing and T1071.005 for application layer protocol usage, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security controls that address both network and application-level threats. The vulnerability represents a clear violation of security best practices and highlights the importance of proper cookie security configuration as outlined in OWASP Top Ten security guidelines.