CVE-2019-25091 in nsupdate.info
Summary
by MITRE • 12/28/2022
A vulnerability classified as problematic has been found in nsupdate.info. This affects an unknown part of the file src/nsupdate/settings/base.py of the component CSRF Cookie Handler. The manipulation of the argument CSRF_COOKIE_HTTPONLY leads to cookie without 'httponly' flag. It is possible to initiate the attack remotely. The name of the patch is 60a3fe559c453bc36b0ec3e5dd39c1303640a59a. It is recommended to apply a patch to fix this issue. The identifier VDB-216909 was assigned to this vulnerability.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/25/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-25091 represents a critical security flaw within the nsupdate.info web application that specifically impacts the Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) cookie handling mechanism. This vulnerability resides in the base.py configuration file within the settings directory of the application's source code, making it a foundational security component that directly influences how the application manages session security. The flaw manifests through the improper configuration of the CSRF_COOKIE_HTTPONLY parameter, which serves as a critical defense mechanism against cross-site scripting attacks that could potentially compromise user sessions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the deliberate removal or misconfiguration of the HTTPOnly flag within the CSRF cookie settings. The HTTPOnly flag is a crucial security feature that prevents client-side scripts from accessing cookies, thereby mitigating the risk of cross-site scripting attacks that could otherwise steal session tokens or other sensitive authentication data. When this flag is omitted or set to false, the CSRF cookie becomes accessible to JavaScript executing within the browser context, creating a significant attack vector for malicious actors. This misconfiguration allows attackers to potentially extract the CSRF token through JavaScript-based attacks, undermining the fundamental purpose of CSRF protection mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session management concerns, as it creates a pathway for sophisticated attack vectors that align with the techniques documented in the ATT&CK framework under the T1546.008 sub-technique for "Exploitation for Credential Access." The vulnerability enables remote exploitation, meaning that attackers can initiate attacks from external systems without requiring physical access or local network privileges. This remote attack capability significantly increases the attack surface and potential impact, as it allows threat actors to target users across different network environments and geographic locations. The vulnerability's classification as problematic by the affected software vendor indicates that it represents a substantial security risk that requires immediate attention and remediation.
The patch referenced in the vulnerability disclosure, identified by the commit hash 60a3fe559c453bc36b0ec3e5dd39c1303640a59a, provides the necessary fix to restore proper HTTPOnly flag enforcement for CSRF cookies. This remediation aligns with the CWE (Common Weakness Enumeration) classification under CWE-1004 which addresses "Sensitive Cookie Without 'HttpOnly' Flag," emphasizing the critical nature of this security misconfiguration. Organizations affected by this vulnerability should prioritize patch deployment, as the absence of the HTTPOnly flag creates a direct pathway for session hijacking attacks and credential theft. The vulnerability's assignment of VDB-216909 identifier further underscores its recognition within the security community and the need for immediate remediation efforts. Proper implementation of this patch will restore the intended security posture and protect against JavaScript-based attacks that could compromise user sessions and application integrity.