CVE-2018-1485 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 renew a session variable after a successful authentication which could lead to session fixation/hijacking vulnerability. This could force a user to utilize a cookie that may be known to an attacker. IBM X-Force ID: 140970.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1485 affects IBM BigFix Platform versions 9.2.0 through 9.2.14 and 9.5 through 9.5.9, representing a critical session management flaw that directly impacts the platform's authentication security mechanisms. This issue stems from the platform's failure to properly invalidate and regenerate session identifiers upon successful user authentication, creating a persistent security weakness that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability manifests when a user authenticates to the system and the platform fails to replace the existing session cookie with a new, unpredictable identifier, leaving the original session token potentially accessible to attackers who may have obtained it through various means.
The technical flaw constitutes a classic session fixation vulnerability where the system maintains the same session identifier across authentication boundaries, allowing an attacker who has previously compromised or obtained a valid session cookie to reuse that identifier to gain unauthorized access to user accounts. This behavior violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-384, which specifically addresses session fixation attacks where applications fail to properly handle session identifiers during authentication processes. The vulnerability exists within the platform's web application layer where session management protocols are implemented, creating a scenario where session tokens remain static despite successful user authentication events.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it enables attackers to maintain persistent access to systems without needing to repeatedly authenticate or perform additional exploitation techniques. An attacker who has obtained a valid session cookie can leverage this vulnerability to hijack user sessions, potentially accessing sensitive data, performing administrative actions, or maintaining long-term presence within the organization's infrastructure. This vulnerability directly aligns with tactics described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under T1566, specifically targeting credential access and session management manipulation techniques that allow adversaries to maintain access to compromised systems.
Organizations utilizing affected IBM BigFix Platform versions face significant risk exposure, particularly in environments where the platform manages critical infrastructure monitoring and security operations. The vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including man-in-the-middle attacks, cross-site scripting exploits, or through compromised user devices where session cookies may be accessible. Security teams should consider implementing immediate mitigations including session token regeneration upon authentication, implementing secure session management protocols, and ensuring proper session cookie attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags are properly configured. IBM has addressed this vulnerability through subsequent platform updates and patches, emphasizing the importance of maintaining current software versions to protect against known session management flaws. The incident highlights the critical need for proper session handling practices in web applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation oversights can create substantial security risks in enterprise security platforms.