CVE-2020-12467 in Subrion CMS
Summary
by MITRE
Subrion CMS 4.2.1 allows session fixation via an alphanumeric value in a session cookie.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/04/2024
The vulnerability CVE-2020-12467 affects Subrion CMS version 4.2.1 and represents a session fixation weakness that occurs when the application accepts alphanumeric values in session cookies without proper validation or regeneration mechanisms. This flaw exists in the session management component of the content management system, where the application fails to adequately handle session identifiers that could be manipulated by attackers. The vulnerability stems from insufficient input sanitization and session handling protocols that allow malicious actors to exploit predictable or reusable session tokens.
Session fixation vulnerabilities occur when an application does not properly regenerate session identifiers upon authentication, leaving sessions vulnerable to hijacking. In this specific case, the alphanumeric session cookie values can be manipulated or reused by attackers to maintain persistent access to user sessions. The flaw allows attackers to fixate a session ID before authentication occurs, potentially enabling them to gain unauthorized access to user accounts or escalate privileges within the system. This vulnerability directly impacts the integrity of the authentication mechanism and can lead to complete account compromise.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can facilitate more sophisticated attacks such as privilege escalation, data theft, and persistent system infiltration. Attackers can leverage this weakness to maintain long-term access to the CMS without detection, potentially compromising sensitive user data, modifying content, or using the compromised system as a foothold for further network exploitation. The vulnerability also increases the risk of credential stuffing attacks and can be combined with other weaknesses to create more severe security breaches. According to CWE-384, session fixation represents a well-documented weakness that directly affects application security and user trust.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-12467 should focus on implementing proper session management practices including immediate session regeneration upon successful authentication, implementing secure session cookie attributes such as HttpOnly, Secure, and SameSite flags, and ensuring that session identifiers are cryptographically strong and unpredictable. Organizations should also implement session timeout mechanisms and monitor for suspicious session activity patterns. The fix should address the root cause by ensuring that session cookies are properly validated and that the application enforces secure session handling as outlined in OWASP Top Ten and NIST SP 800-53 security guidelines. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and sanitization for session identifiers will prevent exploitation of the alphanumeric value manipulation aspect of this vulnerability.