CVE-2021-32004 in GateManager
Summary
by MITRE • 11/23/2021
This issue affects: Secomea GateManager All versions prior to 9.6. Improper Check of host header in web server of Secomea GateManager allows attacker to cause browser cache poisoning.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/27/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2021-32004 impacts Secomea GateManager versions prior to 9.6, representing a critical security flaw in the web server component that enables attackers to manipulate host header validation mechanisms. This issue falls under the broader category of web application security vulnerabilities and specifically relates to improper input validation within the HTTP host header processing functionality. The vulnerability exists in the authentication and session management layer of the GateManager web interface, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the host header parameter submitted by client requests. This oversight creates a pathway for malicious actors to exploit the web server's handling of host headers, potentially leading to severe consequences including cache poisoning attacks that can compromise user sessions and data integrity.
The technical flaw stems from the web server's inadequate validation of the host header parameter, which is a critical element in HTTP requests that specifies the domain name and port number of the server being requested. When the GateManager web server processes incoming requests without properly verifying the host header, it allows attackers to inject malicious host values that can be cached by browsers or intermediate proxies. This improper check creates a condition where the server accepts potentially malicious host header values without sufficient validation, enabling attackers to manipulate how the server processes and responds to requests. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the HTTP protocol level where host headers are used for virtual hosting and request routing, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to redirect traffic or manipulate cached content.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cache poisoning, potentially enabling more sophisticated attacks such as cross-site scripting, session hijacking, or man-in-the-middle attacks that can compromise the entire security posture of the GateManager system. When browsers cache responses based on improperly validated host headers, attackers can manipulate cached content to serve malicious payloads to unsuspecting users who access the system through the same network infrastructure. This creates a persistent threat that can affect multiple users and sessions over time, as cached content becomes increasingly difficult to detect and remove from the system. The vulnerability particularly affects industrial control systems and network infrastructure management platforms where GateManager is deployed, potentially compromising critical network operations and access controls.
Security mitigations for this vulnerability require immediate implementation of proper host header validation mechanisms within the GateManager web server configuration. Organizations should upgrade to Secomea GateManager version 9.6 or later, which includes fixed host header validation routines that properly sanitize and validate incoming host header values. Network administrators should also implement additional security controls such as strict host header policies, proper HTTP response handling, and regular security audits of web server configurations. The implementation of these fixes aligns with industry standards including CWE-20 for improper input validation and addresses ATT&CK techniques related to web application attacks and credential access. Additionally, organizations should conduct thorough testing of the updated configurations to ensure that legitimate host header values continue to function properly while malicious values are properly rejected. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in web server implementations and serves as a reminder of the potential consequences when fundamental security controls are insufficiently implemented in industrial network management systems.