CVE-2020-4289 in Security Information Queue
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Security Information Queue (ISIQ) 1.0.0, 1.0.1, 1.0.2, 1.0.3, 1.0.4, and 1.0.5 could allow a remote attacker to obtain sensitive information, caused by the failure to set the HTTPOnly flag. A remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to obtain sensitive information from the cookie. IBM X-Force ID: 176332.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-4289 affects IBM Security Information Queue version 1.0.0 through 1.0.5, representing a critical security flaw in the web application's cookie management implementation. This issue stems from the absence of the HTTPOnly flag in session cookies, which creates a significant vector for cross-site scripting attacks and session hijacking attempts. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it affects multiple versions of the security queue system, indicating a persistent flaw in the application's security architecture that was not properly addressed across the product lifecycle.
The technical flaw manifests when the application fails to properly configure HTTPOnly cookies, which are essential security measures that prevent client-side scripts from accessing cookie data. Without the HTTPOnly flag, session tokens and other sensitive authentication data become accessible to malicious JavaScript code running in the victim's browser. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-1004 which specifically addresses the lack of proper cookie security attributes and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1531 which covers credential access through web application vulnerabilities. The flaw essentially removes a fundamental defense mechanism that should prevent attackers from harvesting session information through malicious scripts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables sophisticated attack patterns that can lead to full system compromise. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to steal active session tokens, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected administrative functions and sensitive data within the IBM Security Information Queue environment. The attack surface is particularly broad since the vulnerability affects the entire product line, meaning organizations running any of these versions are exposed to the same risk. This creates a significant challenge for security teams who must assess their entire infrastructure for affected systems and implement remediation measures across potentially multiple deployments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-4289 should prioritize immediate patching of affected IBM Security Information Queue installations to the latest available versions that address the HTTPOnly cookie implementation. Organizations should also implement additional security controls such as enforcing secure cookie attributes through web application firewalls and conducting regular security assessments of their web applications. Network segmentation and monitoring for suspicious cookie access patterns can provide additional layers of defense. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper cookie security configuration as outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines, emphasizing that even seemingly minor configuration oversights can create substantial security risks in enterprise security systems.