CVE-2018-1804 in Security Access Manager Appliance
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager Appliance 9.0.1.0, 9.0.2.0, 9.0.3.0, 9.0.4.0, and 9.0.5.0 does not set the secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies. This could allow an attacker to obtain sensitive information using man in the middle techniques. IBM X-Force ID: 149703.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/19/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1804 affects IBM Security Access Manager Appliance versions 9.0.1.0 through 9.0.5.0, representing a critical security flaw in session management mechanisms. This issue stems from the appliance's failure to properly configure the secure attribute on authorization tokens and session cookies, creating a significant exposure in network communications. The secure attribute is a fundamental security feature that ensures cookies are only transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections, preventing interception during data transfer between client and server components. Without this attribute, session identifiers become vulnerable to interception attacks when transmitted over unencrypted HTTP connections, compromising the integrity of authentication mechanisms.
The technical flaw manifests in the application's session cookie configuration where the secure flag is not being set during cookie creation processes. This misconfiguration allows attackers to capture session tokens through man-in-the-middle attacks, particularly when users access the appliance over unsecured network connections or when network traffic is intercepted between the client and server. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-614, which addresses the insufficient protection of sensitive data in cookies, and represents a classic example of improper session management that violates fundamental security principles. Attackers can exploit this weakness by positioning themselves between the user and the appliance to capture authentication tokens, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected resources and sensitive information within the security domain.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking, as it undermines the entire security model of the appliance by creating attack vectors for credential theft and unauthorized access. Organizations relying on IBM Security Access Manager Appliance for identity and access management face significant risks when this vulnerability exists, particularly in environments where network security is not properly enforced or where users access the system over untrusted networks. The vulnerability can be exploited across various attack scenarios including public Wi-Fi networks, compromised network segments, or when network traffic is not properly encrypted. This flaw directly aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566, which covers credential harvesting through network sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks, making it a particularly dangerous exposure for enterprise security infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate configuration updates to ensure the secure attribute is properly set on all session cookies and authorization tokens. Organizations must implement mandatory HTTPS enforcement across all appliance communications and ensure that network traffic is encrypted at all points of interaction. The recommended remediation includes applying the vendor-provided security patches, configuring the appliance to enforce secure cookie transmission, and implementing network-level controls to prevent unencrypted traffic. Additional defensive measures should include network segmentation, mandatory encryption policies, and regular security audits to ensure proper cookie attribute configuration. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous session behavior and potential cookie interception attempts, while also implementing proper network access controls to prevent unauthorized access to the appliance's administrative interfaces and authentication systems.