CVE-2000-0516 in Shiva Access Manager
Summary
by MITRE
When configured to store configuration information in an LDAP directory, Shiva Access Manager 5.0.0 stores the root DN (Distinguished Name) name and password in cleartext in a file that is world readable, which allows local users to compromise the LDAP server.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/13/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2000-0516 represents a critical security flaw in Shiva Access Manager version 5.0.0 that fundamentally compromises the integrity of authentication systems relying on LDAP directory services. This issue arises from improper configuration handling where the system stores sensitive authentication credentials in an unencrypted format within a file that lacks proper access controls. The root cause of this vulnerability lies in the application's failure to implement proper cryptographic protection for stored credentials, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by any local user with access to the system. The flaw specifically affects environments where the Shiva Access Manager is configured to use LDAP for storing configuration information, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user or shared hosting environments where privilege escalation opportunities exist.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the application's insecure storage practices, where the root Distinguished Name and corresponding password are written to disk in plaintext format without any encryption mechanisms. This cleartext storage creates a direct attack vector that aligns with CWE-312, which specifically addresses the exposure of sensitive information through cleartext storage. The file permissions assigned to this configuration file are set to world-readable, meaning that any user account on the system can access the file through standard file system operations. This configuration violates fundamental security principles of least privilege and proper access control, allowing unauthorized users to extract authentication credentials that provide direct access to the LDAP server. The vulnerability operates at the file system level rather than through network protocols, making it particularly insidious as it bypasses network-based security controls and relies purely on local system misconfigurations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with elevated privileges that can be leveraged for further compromise of the entire LDAP infrastructure. Once local users obtain the cleartext credentials, they can authenticate to the LDAP server with root-level privileges, potentially allowing them to modify user accounts, access sensitive directory information, or even escalate their privileges to system administrator level. This vulnerability creates a persistent backdoor that remains active until the file permissions are corrected or the configuration is properly secured, making it particularly dangerous in long-running systems. The impact is amplified in enterprise environments where LDAP servers often serve as central authentication repositories for multiple applications and services, creating a single point of failure that can compromise entire organizational security postures.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability must address both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening measures. The most direct approach involves changing file permissions to restrict access to the configuration file containing the cleartext credentials, ensuring that only authorized administrative users can read the file. Additionally, the application should be configured to use encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive information, implementing proper key management practices that align with industry standards such as those specified in NIST SP 800-57 for cryptographic key management. Organizations should also implement regular security audits to identify and correct similar misconfigurations across their infrastructure, as this vulnerability type often indicates broader security policy gaps. The remediation process should include configuration reviews to ensure that no other sensitive information is stored in cleartext formats, and that proper access control mechanisms are implemented throughout the system. This vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing defense-in-depth strategies that protect sensitive data at multiple levels of the system architecture.