CVE-2019-6161 in CP-SB BMC
Summary
by MITRE
An internal product security audit discovered a session handling vulnerability in the web interface of ThinkAgile CP-SB (Storage Block) BMC in firmware versions prior to 1908.M. This vulnerability allows session IDs to be reused, which could provide unauthorized access to the BMC under certain circumstances. This vulnerability does not affect ThinkSystem XCC, System x IMM2, or other BMCs.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-6161 represents a critical session management flaw within the web interface of ThinkAgile CP-SB (Storage Block) Baseboard Management Controllers. This issue stems from improper session handling mechanisms that permit session identifiers to be recycled or reused, creating potential pathways for unauthorized access to sensitive management interfaces. The vulnerability was discovered through internal product security auditing processes, highlighting the importance of comprehensive security testing throughout the product lifecycle. The affected firmware versions prior to 1908.M demonstrate a fundamental weakness in the authentication and session management architecture that could be exploited by malicious actors to gain unauthorized administrative access to storage block management systems. This flaw specifically impacts the ThinkAgile CP-SB platform and does not extend to other BMC implementations such as ThinkSystem XCC, System x IMM2, or similar management controllers, indicating the vulnerability is localized to a specific product line and implementation approach.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-613, which addresses inadequate session handling that can lead to session fixation or reuse attacks. The flaw manifests when session identifiers are not properly invalidated or rotated upon user logout or session timeout, allowing attackers to potentially reuse valid session tokens to impersonate legitimate users. This session reuse capability bypasses normal authentication mechanisms and could enable attackers to perform administrative operations on the affected storage block systems. The vulnerability's impact is particularly concerning because BMC interfaces provide deep system management access, including firmware updates, configuration changes, and monitoring capabilities that could be leveraged for further attacks within the network infrastructure. The specific conditions under which this vulnerability can be exploited depend on the timing of session creation and reuse, as well as the implementation details of the session token management system.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a significant risk to organizations relying on ThinkAgile CP-SB systems for their storage infrastructure. The ability to reuse session IDs could allow attackers to maintain persistent access to BMC interfaces without requiring additional authentication credentials, potentially enabling long-term unauthorized access to critical storage systems. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access to include potential data compromise, system manipulation, and the ability to disrupt storage operations. Organizations using affected firmware versions face the risk of attackers gaining administrative privileges over their storage block management interfaces, which could lead to data breaches, service disruption, or further lateral movement within the network infrastructure. The vulnerability's exploitation potential increases when combined with other attack vectors, as BMC interfaces often serve as entry points for broader network compromise attempts.
Security mitigations for CVE-2019-6161 primarily involve upgrading to firmware versions 1908.M or later, which contain the necessary fixes for proper session handling and token management. Organizations should conduct immediate inventory assessments to identify all affected ThinkAgile CP-SB systems and prioritize remediation efforts based on risk exposure and business criticality. Network segmentation strategies should be implemented to limit direct access to BMC interfaces, reducing the attack surface and limiting potential exploitation opportunities. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual session activity patterns, including multiple concurrent sessions or suspicious session reuse behaviors. The vulnerability's characteristics also align with ATT&CK technique T1078 which addresses valid accounts and legitimate credentials, as attackers could leverage this session reuse capability to maintain persistent access without detection. Regular security audits and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar session management weaknesses in other systems and ensure comprehensive protection against session-related attack vectors.