CVE-2017-4966 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been found in Pivotal RabbitMQ and RabbitMQ for PCF that allows storing user credentials in a browser's local storage indefinitely, potentially leading to exploitation through a chained attack.

Understanding CVE-2017-4966

This CVE identifies a security flaw in Pivotal RabbitMQ and RabbitMQ for PCF versions.

What is CVE-2017-4966?

This CVE pertains to a vulnerability in the RabbitMQ management UI that enables the storage of user credentials in a browser's local storage without an expiration, creating a security risk.

The Impact of CVE-2017-4966

The vulnerability could be exploited through a chained attack, potentially compromising user credentials and leading to unauthorized access.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-4966

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The flaw affects various versions of Pivotal RabbitMQ and RabbitMQ for PCF, allowing the indefinite storage of user credentials in local storage.

Affected Systems and Versions

Pivotal RabbitMQ: all versions in the 3.4.x, 3.5.x, and 3.6.x series before 3.6.9
RabbitMQ for PCF: all versions in the 1.5.x series, versions in the 1.6.x series before 1.6.18, and versions in the 1.7.x series before 1.7.15

Exploitation Mechanism

The flaw enables malicious actors to access stored user credentials through a chained attack, potentially leading to unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protect your systems from CVE-2017-4966 with the following measures:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update RabbitMQ to the latest patched version
Avoid storing sensitive information in the browser's local storage

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies
Regularly monitor and audit user access and activities

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly
Stay informed about security updates and best practices