Session Management / No Session Timeout

Description

No session timeout is an IT vulnerability that falls under the category of Session Management (CWE-613). It occurs when a web or API application fails to have a session timeout, which causes the user's session to remain active indefinitely. This enables attackers to hijack an active session despite the user's lack of interaction, potentially allowing access to sensitive data or other malicious activity. The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) Testing Guide recommends testing for this vulnerability as it can be easily exploited and is of significant risk to organizations.

Risk

The risk posed by the no session timeout vulnerability is significant. By not having a session timeout, attackers may be able to hijack an active session, gain access to sensitive data, and potentially use that data for malicious purposes, such as identity theft or fraud. Additionally, an attacker may be able to access the application and its resources without being detected, as the lack of a session timeout means the user's activity will not be tracked.

Solution

The best solution to the no session timeout vulnerability is to implement a session timeout. This will ensure that a user's session is terminated after a certain period of inactivity, thus preventing an attacker from hijacking an active session. Additionally, organizations should also ensure that the timeout period is appropriate for the application in question, and not too short or too long.