CVE-2019-4152 in Security Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Access Manager 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 does not invalidate session tokens in a timely manner. The lack of proper session expiration may allow attackers with local access to login into a closed browser session. IBM X-Force ID: 158515.
If you want to get best quality of vulnerability data, you may have to visit VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/08/2023
IBM Security Access Manager versions 9.0.1 through 9.0.6 contain a critical session management vulnerability that violates fundamental security principles outlined in CWE-613. The flaw stems from improper session token invalidation mechanisms that fail to promptly terminate authenticated sessions when users close browser windows or navigate away from protected applications. This vulnerability creates a persistent security risk where attackers with local system access can exploit the delayed session expiration to regain access to closed browser sessions without re-authentication. The issue represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and proper session handling as defined in the OWASP Top Ten Proactive Controls. Attackers can leverage this weakness to maintain unauthorized access to sensitive systems and data, particularly when local access is obtained through social engineering, physical access, or other attack vectors. The vulnerability specifically affects the session management component of IBM Security Access Manager, which is designed to control and monitor user access to enterprise applications. This flaw enables session hijacking and privilege escalation attacks, as demonstrated by the X-Force ID 158515 reference that indicates the vulnerability has been actively exploited in the wild. The delayed session invalidation creates a window of opportunity for attackers to reuse session tokens from previously closed browser sessions, effectively bypassing the intended authentication mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data breaches, insider threat exploitation, and compliance violations. Organizations using affected IBM Security Access Manager versions face significant risk exposure when users leave their workstations unattended or close browser windows without proper logout procedures. This vulnerability directly maps to ATT&CK technique T1566 which involves credential harvesting through social engineering, and T1078 which covers valid accounts usage. The session management flaw creates a persistent backdoor that can be exploited by attackers who gain local access to systems, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where physical security controls may be insufficient. The vulnerability affects the core authentication infrastructure and undermines the trust model that organizations rely upon for access control. When combined with other local access vulnerabilities, this session management weakness can enable attackers to maintain long-term access to enterprise networks without detection. The security implications are compounded by the fact that this vulnerability affects the session token invalidation process rather than authentication itself, meaning that legitimate users who properly authenticate can still be exploited if they do not manually log out.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to IBM Security Access Manager versions that address this vulnerability, typically those beyond 9.0.6. The recommended approach involves configuring proper session timeout policies, implementing automatic session invalidation upon browser closure, and establishing mandatory logout procedures for users. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected versions and implement network segmentation to limit the potential impact of exploitation. Additional mitigations include monitoring for unauthorized session reuse patterns, implementing session binding mechanisms, and deploying intrusion detection systems to identify suspicious authentication patterns. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication, and CWE-384 which covers session fixation attacks. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication as an additional security layer to protect against session hijacking attacks. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to ensure that session management policies are properly enforced and that the vulnerability has been fully remediated. The remediation process must include thorough testing to ensure that session invalidation occurs correctly upon browser closure and that proper session lifecycle management is maintained across all applications protected by IBM Security Access Manager.