CVE-2019-4563 in Security Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE • 10/30/2020
IBM Security Directory Server 6.4.0 does not set the secure attribute on authorization tokens or session cookies. Attackers may be able to get the cookie values by sending a http:// link to a user or by planting this link in a site the user goes to. The cookie will be sent to the insecure link and the attacker can then obtain the cookie value by snooping the traffic. IBM X-Force ID: 166624.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/30/2020
IBM Security Directory Server version 6.4.0 contains a critical security flaw that violates fundamental web application security principles by failing to properly configure session management cookies. This vulnerability represents a classic example of insufficient transport layer protection as classified under CWE-311, where sensitive session data is transmitted without adequate security measures. The server fails to set the secure attribute on authorization tokens and session cookies, which means these cookies are transmitted over both HTTP and HTTPS connections without proper encryption safeguards. This configuration flaw creates an attack surface that allows malicious actors to intercept session tokens through various reconnaissance techniques including man-in-the-middle attacks or packet sniffing operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and directly enables session hijacking attacks that can be executed through multiple vectors. An attacker can exploit this weakness by crafting malicious http:// links and either directly sending them to targeted users or embedding them within compromised websites that users visit. When users click these links, the session cookies containing authorization tokens are transmitted over unencrypted HTTP connections, making them vulnerable to network traffic interception. This attack vector aligns with techniques described in the ATT&CK framework under T1566 for credential access through social engineering, specifically targeting the initial compromise phase where attackers establish footholds through malicious link delivery. The vulnerability essentially undermines the integrity of the authentication mechanism by allowing attackers to capture valid session tokens and impersonate legitimate users.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability demonstrates a fundamental misconfiguration in the server's security posture that violates industry best practices for web application security. When cookies lack the secure attribute, they are sent with every HTTP request regardless of the connection type, creating opportunities for attackers to capture these tokens through network monitoring tools or by positioning themselves within the network traffic path. This misconfiguration particularly affects environments where users may access the server through untrusted networks or where network traffic is not properly secured through additional layers of encryption. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in corporate environments where sensitive directory services are used for authentication and authorization, as successful exploitation could lead to complete compromise of user accounts and access to protected directory resources.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should implement immediate mitigations to address the session cookie security configuration. The primary remediation involves configuring the IBM Security Directory Server to properly set the secure attribute on all session cookies and authorization tokens, ensuring that these credentials are only transmitted over encrypted HTTPS connections. Additionally, organizations should enforce mandatory HTTPS usage throughout their infrastructure and implement proper network segmentation to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive traffic. The implementation of these security controls aligns with the OWASP Top Ten security requirements for proper session management and secure cookie handling. Regular security assessments should be conducted to verify that all session management components are properly configured and that no similar misconfigurations exist within the broader application ecosystem. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper security configuration management and the need for continuous monitoring of application security settings to prevent exploitation of fundamental authentication flaws.