CVE-2018-5481 in OnCommand Unified Manager for 7-Mode
Summary
by MITRE
OnCommand Unified Manager for 7-Mode (core package) prior to 5.2.4 uses cookies that lack the secure attribute in certain circumstances making it vulnerable to impersonation via man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/26/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-5481 affects OnCommand Unified Manager for 7-Mode core package versions prior to 5.2.4, representing a critical security flaw in web application session management. This issue stems from the improper implementation of HTTP cookies that are transmitted without the secure attribute, creating a significant vector for attackers to exploit during network communications. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the application operates in environments where man-in-the-middle attacks could occur, such as unencrypted network connections or public Wi-Fi networks where sensitive session data might be intercepted.
The technical flaw resides in the application's failure to properly configure session cookies with the secure flag, which is a fundamental web security practice. When cookies lack the secure attribute, they are transmitted over both HTTP and HTTPS connections, making them susceptible to interception and replay attacks. In this particular case, attackers can leverage this weakness to capture valid session tokens during network traffic interception, potentially gaining unauthorized access to administrative functions and sensitive data within the OnCommand Unified Manager environment. The vulnerability directly relates to CWE-614, which addresses the insecure transmission of session cookies over unencrypted channels, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for credential access through phishing and credential dumping.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it enables attackers to impersonate legitimate users within the OnCommand Unified Manager environment, potentially leading to complete system compromise. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain administrative privileges, access sensitive storage management data, and perform unauthorized operations on storage systems managed by the unified manager. This threat is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where storage management applications handle critical infrastructure data and where the consequences of unauthorized access could result in data loss, service disruption, or compliance violations. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on 7-Mode storage systems and their unified management interfaces, creating a persistent security risk that could be exploited by both internal and external threat actors.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-5481 should prioritize immediate patching of the OnCommand Unified Manager core package to version 5.2.4 or later, which addresses the insecure cookie implementation. Organizations should also implement mandatory HTTPS enforcement throughout the application to ensure all communications occur over encrypted channels, thereby preventing the transmission of unsecured cookies. Network administrators should consider implementing additional security controls such as strict transport security policies and monitoring for suspicious session activity. The remediation process should include thorough testing to ensure that the patch does not introduce compatibility issues with existing storage management workflows, while also verifying that all session cookies are properly configured with the secure attribute. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications within their environment that might be similarly affected by insecure cookie practices, as this represents a common configuration weakness that could expose other systems to similar attack vectors.