CVE-2023-4654 in icms2
Summary
by MITRE • 08/31/2023
Sensitive Cookie in HTTPS Session Without 'Secure' Attribute in GitHub repository instantsoft/icms2 prior to 2.16.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/27/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-4654 represents a critical security flaw in the instantsoft/icms2 repository affecting versions prior to 216.1. This issue manifests as a sensitive cookie being transmitted over HTTPS sessions without the essential 'Secure' attribute, creating a significant vector for potential exploitation. The flaw exists within the session management mechanisms of the web application framework, where authentication tokens and other sensitive session data are stored in cookies that lack proper security flags. The absence of the Secure attribute means these cookies can be transmitted over unencrypted HTTP connections, making them susceptible to interception and exploitation by malicious actors. This vulnerability directly violates fundamental web security practices and creates opportunities for session hijacking attacks.
The technical implementation flaw stems from improper cookie configuration within the application's session handling code. When cookies are created without the Secure flag, they are sent across both HTTP and HTTPS connections, undermining the encryption protection that HTTPS is designed to provide. This creates a dangerous scenario where session tokens can be captured during network traffic interception or man-in-the-middle attacks, particularly when users navigate between HTTP and HTTPS contexts. The vulnerability specifically impacts the authentication and authorization mechanisms of the application, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or gain unauthorized access to user accounts. The flaw falls under CWE-614, which specifically addresses sensitive cookies transmitted over insecure channels, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 for credential access through network sniffing.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple session theft, potentially enabling full account compromise and persistent unauthorized access to the application. Attackers can leverage this weakness to intercept session cookies during legitimate user interactions, particularly when users access the application through potentially insecure network connections or when the application fails to enforce strict HTTPS usage. The vulnerability becomes especially dangerous in environments where users access the application from public networks or shared computing environments where network traffic interception is more likely. Additionally, the issue can compound with other security weaknesses, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited in combination to achieve more severe outcomes.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-4654 require immediate implementation of proper cookie security attributes and comprehensive application security hardening. The primary remediation involves configuring all sensitive cookies with the Secure flag to ensure they are only transmitted over encrypted connections, alongside implementing the HttpOnly flag to prevent client-side script access to sensitive session data. Organizations should enforce strict HTTPS usage throughout the application, implementing automatic redirects from HTTP to HTTPS to eliminate mixed-content scenarios. Additional security measures include implementing proper session management practices, including session timeout mechanisms, regular session regeneration, and monitoring for suspicious authentication patterns. The fix should also include comprehensive code review processes to identify and remediate similar cookie configuration issues throughout the application codebase, ensuring that all session-related functionality adheres to current security best practices and standards.