CVE-2019-3790 in Ops Manager
Summary
by MITRE
The Pivotal Ops Manager, 2.2.x versions prior to 2.2.23, 2.3.x versions prior to 2.3.16, 2.4.x versions prior to 2.4.11, and 2.5.x versions prior to 2.5.3, contain configuration that circumvents refresh token expiration. A remote authenticated user can gain access to a browser session that was supposed to have expired, and access Ops Manager resources.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-3790 affects Pivotal Ops Manager versions across multiple release branches including 2.2.x prior to 2.2.23, 2.3.x prior to 2.3.16, 2.4.x prior to 2.4.11, and 2.5.x prior to 2.5.3. This security flaw resides in the session management implementation of the Ops Manager platform, specifically within the refresh token mechanism that governs user authentication lifecycle. The issue stems from improper configuration that allows authentication tokens to remain valid beyond their intended expiration time, creating a persistent access vector for malicious actors. This vulnerability directly impacts the authentication and session management controls that are fundamental to maintaining secure access to enterprise platform management interfaces.
The technical flaw manifests through a misconfiguration in the token refresh process where the system fails to properly validate or enforce token expiration times. When users authenticate to Ops Manager, they receive both access tokens and refresh tokens that should operate under specific time constraints. However, in affected versions, the refresh token configuration bypasses standard expiration protocols, allowing authenticated users to maintain access to their browser sessions even after the designated expiration period should have terminated their session. This creates a window of opportunity for attackers who can leverage this persistent access to perform unauthorized operations within the platform. The vulnerability operates at the application level and specifically targets the session management subsystem, which falls under CWE-613: Insufficient Session Expiration and CWE-306: Missing Authentication for Critical Function.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential privilege escalation and data compromise within the Ops Manager environment. A remote authenticated attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can maintain access to sensitive platform resources and configuration management functions for extended periods beyond normal session lifecycles. This prolonged access window increases the potential for data exfiltration, configuration changes, or malicious operations within the platform. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core authentication mechanisms of the platform, potentially allowing attackers to access deployment configurations, manage platform resources, and manipulate infrastructure settings. The impact aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001: Phishing for Information and T1548.001: Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism, as it leverages session management weaknesses to maintain unauthorized access.
Organizations utilizing affected versions of Pivotal Ops Manager should immediately implement mitigations including updating to the patched versions 2.2.23, 2.3.16, 2.4.11, and 2.5.3 respectively. The patch addresses the refresh token configuration issue by properly enforcing token expiration policies and ensuring that session management operates according to established security protocols. Additional mitigations include implementing robust session monitoring, enforcing strict access controls, and conducting regular security assessments of authentication mechanisms. Security teams should also review existing user sessions and invalidate any potentially compromised tokens while implementing enhanced logging and monitoring for authentication events. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper session management in enterprise platforms and highlights the need for continuous security validation of authentication mechanisms against evolving threat landscapes.