CVE-2019-4686 in Security Guardium Data Encryption
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption (GDE) 3.0.0.2 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: 171822.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/11/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-4686 affects IBM Security Guardium Data Encryption version 3.0.0.2, representing a critical security flaw in session management practices. This issue stems from the application's failure to implement proper security attributes on authorization tokens and session cookies, creating an avenue for sophisticated attackers to exploit insecure communication channels. The flaw specifically impacts how the system handles HTTP session management, where cookies containing sensitive authentication information are transmitted without adequate protection mechanisms. The vulnerability manifests when users interact with web applications that utilize Guardium's encryption services, potentially exposing authentication tokens to interception attacks.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-614, which addresses the insecure transmission of sensitive information through the use of cookies without proper security attributes. When session cookies lack the secure attribute, they become susceptible to transmission over unencrypted HTTP connections, making them vulnerable to man-in-the-middle attacks and network traffic interception. The implementation flaw occurs at the application layer where cookie settings are configured, specifically missing the secure flag that would prevent cookies from being transmitted over HTTP connections. This oversight allows attackers to capture authentication tokens through various means including phishing attacks, cross-site scripting vectors, or by exploiting insecure network conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, potentially enabling full system compromise and unauthorized access to encrypted data environments. Attackers can leverage this weakness by crafting malicious HTTP links that, when clicked by authenticated users, transmit the vulnerable cookies to attacker-controlled servers. The attack vector involves social engineering elements where users are tricked into visiting compromised websites or clicking malicious links, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where users frequently interact with multiple web applications. This weakness significantly undermines the security posture of organizations relying on Guardium for data encryption, as compromised session tokens could provide attackers with elevated privileges and access to sensitive encrypted databases.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper cookie security configurations including the addition of the secure attribute to all session cookies and authorization tokens. Organizations should deploy HTTPS enforcement mechanisms throughout their web applications and ensure that all cookie transmission occurs over encrypted channels only. Network administrators must implement proper security policies that prevent HTTP traffic from carrying sensitive session information and should consider deploying additional monitoring solutions to detect suspicious cookie transmission patterns. The fix involves modifying the application code to include secure cookie flags during session creation and implementing automated security scanning to identify similar vulnerabilities across other web applications. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive security awareness training for users to recognize phishing attempts and malicious links that could exploit this vulnerability, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers phishing attacks and social engineering. Regular security assessments and penetration testing should be performed to ensure that all web applications properly implement secure cookie handling practices and maintain compliance with industry security standards.