CVE-2020-13229 in Multi Server
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in Sysax Multi Server 6.90. A session can be hijacked if one observes the sid value in any /scgi URI, because it is an authentication token.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-13229 represents a critical session hijacking flaw in Sysax Multi Server version 6.90, which falls under the category of weak session management and authentication token exposure. This issue stems from the improper handling of session identifiers within the server's communication protocol, specifically when utilizing the scgi URI framework for remote administration. The vulnerability manifests when an attacker can observe the sid value parameter in any scgi URI, which functions as a critical authentication token that should remain confidential and securely managed throughout the session lifecycle.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the predictable or observable nature of session identifiers within the Sysax Multi Server application. When users establish administrative connections through the scgi interface, the system generates a session identifier that is embedded directly into the URI structure rather than being properly secured through encrypted channels or secure transmission methods. This sid value serves as the primary means of authentication and session tracking, making it a prime target for malicious actors who can capture these identifiers through network monitoring, packet analysis, or other passive reconnaissance techniques. The flaw essentially allows unauthorized parties to assume legitimate user sessions simply by observing and reusing these authentication tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, potentially enabling attackers to perform administrative functions, modify system configurations, access sensitive data, and compromise the entire server infrastructure. The consequences are particularly severe given that Sysax Multi Server is designed for remote administration and file transfer operations, meaning that session hijacking could lead to complete system compromise. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute arbitrary commands, establish persistent access, manipulate user accounts, and potentially use the compromised system as a foothold for further network infiltration. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of the application, undermining the trust model between legitimate users and the server infrastructure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-13229 should focus on implementing proper session management practices and securing authentication tokens through multiple layers of protection. Organizations should immediately upgrade to a patched version of Sysax Multi Server where session identifiers are properly generated, transmitted, and managed using secure cryptographic methods. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect unusual patterns in scgi URI usage and session identifier observation. The implementation of secure communication protocols such as TLS should be enforced to prevent token interception during transmission. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing session timeout mechanisms, rotating session identifiers, and employing additional authentication factors such as multi-factor authentication to reduce the attack surface. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-384, which addresses session management flaws, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1563.002 for credential access through session hijacking, emphasizing the need for robust session lifecycle management and secure token handling practices in server applications.