CVE-2018-11406 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability was found in the Security feature of Symfony versions 2.7.x to 2.7.48, 2.8.x to 2.8.41, 3.3.x to 3.3.17, 3.4.x to 3.4.11, and 4.0.x to 4.0.11 that could potentially lead to CSRF token fixation.

Understanding CVE-2018-11406

This CVE relates to a security issue in Symfony versions that could allow for CSRF token fixation when the "invalidate_session" option is disabled.

What is CVE-2018-11406?

An issue in the Security component of Symfony versions before 2.7.48, 2.8.41, 3.3.17, 3.4.11, and 4.0.11 where CSRF tokens were not cleared during logout, potentially enabling CSRF token fixation.

The Impact of CVE-2018-11406

The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to perform CSRF token fixation attacks, compromising the security of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-11406

This section provides more in-depth technical details about the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises when the "invalidate_session" option is disabled, leading to CSRF tokens not being erased during logout, which can be exploited for CSRF token fixation.

Affected Systems and Versions

Symfony versions 2.7.x to 2.7.48
Symfony versions 2.8.x to 2.8.41
Symfony versions 3.3.x to 3.3.17
Symfony versions 3.4.x to 3.4.11
Symfony versions 4.0.x to 4.0.11

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating CSRF tokens, potentially leading to unauthorized actions on the affected systems.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2018-11406 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Symfony to the patched versions that address this vulnerability.
Enable the "invalidate_session" option to ensure proper session handling.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update Symfony and its components to prevent security vulnerabilities.
Educate users on CSRF attacks and best practices to mitigate such risks.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely installation of security patches and updates provided by Symfony to address CVE-2018-11406.