CVE-2021-40642 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

This CVE-2021-40642 article provides details about a vulnerability in Textpattern CMS v4.8.7 and older versions related to Sensitive Cookie in HTTPS sessions without the 'Secure' attribute.

Understanding CVE-2021-40642

This section will explain the vulnerability and its impact.

What is CVE-2021-40642?

Textpattern CMS v4.8.7 and older versions are vulnerable due to a missing 'Secure' attribute in the txp_login session cookie, making it susceptible to being transmitted in clear-text over HTTP URLs within its scope.

The Impact of CVE-2021-40642

The vulnerability allows an attacker to potentially intercept sensitive information by exploiting the insecure transmission of the session cookie.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-40642

In this section, we will delve into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises due to the absence of the 'Secure' attribute in the txp_login session cookie within Textpattern CMS, enabling clear-text transmission over insecure HTTP connections.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Textpattern CMS
Versions affected: v4.8.7 and older

Exploitation Mechanism

An attacker can exploit the vulnerability by leading a user to visit HTTP URLs within the cookie's scope, allowing interception of sensitive data.

Mitigation and Prevention

Here, we will outline the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-40642.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to the latest version of Textpattern CMS that addresses the 'Secure' attribute omission.
Avoid accessing the CMS over insecure HTTP connections.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement HTTPS site-wide to ensure encrypted communication.
Educate users about secure browsing practices and the risks of accessing unsecured websites.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security updates and patches released by Textpattern CMS.