CVE-2018-16495 in VOS
Summary
by MITRE • 05/26/2021
In VOS user session identifier (authentication token) is issued to the browser prior to authentication but is not changed after the user successfully logs into the application. Failing to issue a new session ID following a successful login introduces the possibility for an attacker to set up a trap session on the device the victim is likely to login with.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/30/2021
This vulnerability resides in the session management implementation of VOS applications where authentication tokens are generated before user authentication occurs but remain unchanged upon successful login. The flaw represents a classic session fixation attack vector that violates fundamental security principles outlined in owasp top ten and cwe-384. When a user accesses the application, an initial session identifier is created and stored in the browser, but this identifier persists even after legitimate authentication takes place. This persistent session token creates a window of opportunity for attackers to exploit the authentication flow and potentially hijack user sessions.
The technical implementation defect stems from improper session handling during the authentication lifecycle. The system fails to invalidate or regenerate the session identifier after successful authentication, allowing an attacker who has already obtained the initial session token to maintain access privileges when the legitimate user eventually authenticates. This vulnerability specifically targets the session management component and demonstrates a failure to implement proper session regeneration upon authentication events, which is a core requirement in secure application design. The attack surface is particularly concerning because it allows adversaries to establish a trap session on devices where victims are likely to log in, effectively creating a persistent access point.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking to encompass potential privilege escalation and unauthorized access to sensitive application resources. An attacker who successfully predicts or obtains the initial session token can maintain access even after a legitimate user authenticates, potentially leading to data breaches, unauthorized transactions, or system compromise. This issue directly correlates with attack techniques described in the attack pattern taxonomy under session management flaws and represents a significant weakening of the authentication mechanism. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in environments where users access applications from shared or public devices, as attackers can establish persistent access points without requiring additional credentials or complex attack vectors.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper session management practices including immediate session regeneration upon successful authentication, proper session invalidation mechanisms, and adherence to secure session handling protocols. Organizations should implement session token rotation policies that ensure new identifiers are generated and validated after authentication completion. The solution must address the root cause by ensuring that the application architecture properly handles session lifecycle management and incorporates session validation checks. Security controls should include monitoring for suspicious session behavior and implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of exploitation. Compliance with industry standards including iso 27001 and nist cybersecurity framework requires implementing robust session management controls that prevent session fixation attacks and maintain the integrity of user authentication processes.