CVE-2019-4616 in Cloud Automation Manager
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Cloud Automation Manager 3.2.1.0 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: 168644.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/10/2025
IBM Cloud Automation Manager version 3.2.1.0 contains a critical security vulnerability related to session management that exposes authorization tokens and session cookies to unauthorized access through insecure transmission channels. This vulnerability stems from the application's failure to properly configure the secure attribute on authentication cookies, which creates a significant attack surface for man-in-the-middle and cross-site scripting exploits. The flaw allows attackers to intercept sensitive session information when users navigate to malicious websites or when they are redirected through unencrypted HTTP links, potentially enabling them to hijack user sessions and gain unauthorized access to cloud automation resources. The vulnerability directly violates fundamental web security principles and represents a clear violation of secure cookie practices as defined by industry standards and best practices.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the application's session cookie configuration where the secure attribute is not being set during cookie creation, allowing cookies to be transmitted over both HTTP and HTTPS connections. This configuration error means that when users interact with the application through unencrypted HTTP links, their session cookies become visible in network traffic and can be captured by attackers monitoring network communications. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the transport layer security boundary, where the application fails to enforce proper encryption requirements for sensitive authentication data. This weakness enables attackers to exploit the principle of least privilege by intercepting session tokens that should only be transmitted over encrypted channels, effectively bypassing the intended security controls.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session hijacking to potentially compromise the entire cloud automation environment. An attacker who successfully intercepts a session cookie can impersonate legitimate users and perform administrative actions within the IBM Cloud Automation Manager system, potentially leading to unauthorized access to cloud resources, configuration changes, data manipulation, and privilege escalation. The vulnerability creates a persistent threat vector that remains active as long as the application continues to operate without proper secure cookie configuration, making it particularly dangerous in environments where users frequently access the application through various network connections or where network monitoring is present. This exposure could result in significant business disruption, regulatory compliance violations, and potential data breaches affecting sensitive enterprise automation workflows.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies including enforcing secure cookie attributes through application configuration changes, deploying network-level protections such as strict transport security policies, and implementing additional authentication controls like multi-factor authentication to reduce the risk of successful exploitation. The recommended approach involves configuring the application to set the secure attribute on all session cookies, ensuring that cookies are only transmitted over encrypted connections and that the HttpOnly flag is properly configured to prevent client-side script access to sensitive cookies. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-614, which addresses the insecure transmission of sensitive information through cookies, and represents a clear violation of ATT&CK technique T1566 related to phishing attacks through malicious links and T1071.3 for application layer protocol use. Immediate remediation through secure cookie implementation and network security hardening is essential to prevent exploitation and maintain the integrity of cloud automation operations.