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GHSA-mh8g-hprg-8363

MediumCVSS 6.8 / 10
Published Jan 30, 2020·Last modified Mar 14, 2026
Affected Components(0)

No affected components available

Description

Impact

The security configuration in etc/security/mh_default_org.xml enables a remember-me cookie based on a hash created from the username, password, and an additional system key. Opencast has hard-coded this system key in the large XML file and never mentions to change this, basically ensuring that all systems use the same key:

<sec:remember-me key="opencast" user-service-ref="userDetailsService" />

This means that an attacker getting access to a remember-me token for one server can get access to all servers which allow log-in using the same credentials without ever needing the credentials. For example, a remember-me token obtained from develop.opencast.org can be used on stable.opencast.org without actually knowing the log-in credentials.

Such an attack will usually not work on different installations – assuming that safe, unique passwords are used – but it is basically guaranteed to work to get access to all machines of one cluster if a token from one machine is compromised.

Patches

This problem is fixed in Opencast 7.6 and Opencast 8.1

Workarounds

We strongly recommend updating to the patched version. Still, as a workaround for older versions, in etc/security/mh_default_org.xml, set a custom key for each server:

<sec:remember-me key="CUSTOM_RANDOM_KEY" user-service-ref="userDetailsService" />

References

For more information

If you have any questions or comments about this advisory:

Thanks

Thanks to @LukasKalbertodt for reporting the issue.

Risk Scores
Base Score
6.8

The vulnerability can be exploited over the network without needing physical access. It is easy for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability. An attacker needs basic access or low-level privileges. The attacker needs the user to perform some action, like clicking a link. The vulnerability can affect other systems as well, not just the initial system. There is a high impact on the confidentiality of the information.

Threat Intelligence
6.2

Exploitation attempts have been detected. Elevated vigilance and prompt remediation are advised.

EPSS
0.94%

The exploit probability is very low. The vulnerability is unlikely to be exploited in the next 30 days.

Exploit
Not available

We did not find any exploit available. Neither in GitHub repositories nor in the Exploit-Database.

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