CVE-2001-0620 in Calendar Server
Summary
by MITRE
iPlanet Calendar Server 5.0p2 and earlier allows a local attacker to gain access to the Netscape Admin Server (NAS) LDAP database and read arbitrary files by obtaining the cleartext administrator username and password from the configuration file, which has insecure permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-0620 represents a critical security flaw in iPlanet Calendar Server version 5.0p2 and earlier releases. This issue stems from improper file permission configurations that allow local attackers to access sensitive administrative credentials stored in cleartext within configuration files. The vulnerability specifically impacts the Netscape Admin Server LDAP database access mechanism, creating a significant attack surface for privilege escalation and data exfiltration. The flaw demonstrates a fundamental failure in secure configuration management and credential storage practices that was prevalent in enterprise web server implementations during the early 2000s era.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits weak file system permissions that should have restricted access to administrative configuration files containing cleartext authentication credentials. When the calendar server application runs with elevated privileges, it stores administrator username and password information in configuration files that are accessible to local users through insufficient access controls. This misconfiguration enables attackers to read these files directly without requiring additional authentication mechanisms or exploitation techniques. The cleartext storage of credentials violates fundamental security principles and creates a direct path to administrative access, as the attacker can immediately use the obtained credentials to access the LDAP database and potentially escalate privileges further within the system.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with elevated access to the entire calendar server infrastructure. Once local access is gained through the cleartext credentials, attackers can manipulate calendar data, access user information, and potentially compromise other services running on the same system. The vulnerability also affects the integrity and confidentiality of the entire LDAP directory service, as the database contents become accessible to unauthorized local users. This type of attack can lead to widespread data exposure, service disruption, and potential lateral movement within network environments where the calendar server operates. The attack vector represents a classic privilege escalation scenario that aligns with attack techniques categorized under credential access and privilege escalation in the MITRE ATT&CK framework.
The root cause of this vulnerability can be classified as a weakness in secure configuration management and credential storage practices, corresponding to CWE-706 Use of Incorrectly-Resolved Name or Reference and CWE-312 Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Data. The issue demonstrates poor security engineering practices where administrative credentials were stored in easily accessible locations without proper encryption or access controls. Organizations implementing similar systems should consider implementing mandatory access controls, encrypted credential storage mechanisms, and regular security audits to prevent such configuration flaws. The vulnerability highlights the importance of principle of least privilege and proper file permission management in preventing local privilege escalation attacks. Security practitioners should implement comprehensive monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts and establish regular vulnerability assessments to identify similar misconfigurations in legacy systems. This vulnerability serves as a historical example of how insecure default configurations and inadequate access controls can create persistent security risks in enterprise applications, emphasizing the need for robust security practices throughout the software development lifecycle.