V-222404

Discussion

SAML is a standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between security domains. SAML uses security tokens containing assertions to pass information about a principal (usually an end user) between a SAML authority, (identity provider), and a SAML consumer, (service provider). SAML assertions are usually made about a subject, (user) represented by the <Subject> element. When a SAML assertion is used with a <Conditions> element, a begin and end time for the <Conditions> element should be set in order to specify a timeframe in which the assertion is valid. Not setting a specific time period for the <Conditions> element, the possibility exists of granting immediate access or elevated privileges to an attacker which results in an immediate loss of confidentiality.

Check Content

Ask the application representative for the design document.

Review the design document for web services using SAML assertions.

If the application does not utilize SAML assertions, this check is not applicable.

Examine the contents of a SOAP message using the <Conditions> element; all messages should contain the <NotBefore> and <NotOnOrAfter> or <OneTimeUse> element when in a SAML Assertion. This can be accomplished using a protocol analyzer such as Wireshark.

If SOAP using the <Conditions> element does not contain <NotBefore> and <NotOnOrAfter> or <OneTimeUse> elements, this is a finding.