CVE-2001-0981 in CIFS-9000 Server
Summary
by MITRE
HP CIFS/9000 Server (SAMBA) A.01.07 and earlier with the "unix password sync" option enabled calls the passwd program without specifying the username of the user making the request, which could cause the server to change the password of a different user.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/09/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0981 affects Hewlett Packard CIFS/9000 Server versions A.01.07 and earlier when configured with the unix password sync option enabled. This represents a critical authentication bypass and privilege escalation flaw that stems from improper input validation and command execution practices within the SAMBA implementation. The issue manifests when the system processes password change requests through the passwd program, creating a scenario where user authentication context becomes miscalculated during the password modification process.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure execution of system commands without proper user context validation. When the unix password sync feature is enabled, the server invokes the passwd program without explicitly specifying which user account should have its password modified. This design flaw allows an attacker to manipulate the command execution flow, potentially causing the system to modify a different user's password than intended. The vulnerability is classified as a command injection issue that violates fundamental security principles of user isolation and authentication integrity. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-78 and CWE-862, representing improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands and missing authorization respectively.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple password modification, creating significant security implications for enterprise environments. An attacker who can exploit this flaw could potentially gain unauthorized access to other user accounts by changing their passwords, effectively bypassing authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects systems where multiple users share the same administrative privileges or where user account management is centralized. The attack vector typically involves authenticated users who can submit password change requests, making it a privilege escalation vulnerability rather than a simple remote code execution flaw. The implications are particularly severe in environments where the CIFS/9000 server serves as a primary authentication gateway or where Unix password synchronization is critical for system integrity.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability should immediately implement mitigation strategies focusing on both immediate remediation and long-term security hardening. The primary recommendation involves upgrading to HP CIFS/9000 Server versions that address this specific flaw, as the vulnerability cannot be effectively patched through configuration changes alone. Additionally, system administrators should disable the unix password sync option if it is not absolutely required for business operations, reducing the attack surface. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit who can make password change requests to the affected system. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual password change patterns or unauthorized access attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts and T1566.001 for spearphishing attachments, as it can enable attackers to establish persistent access through compromised credentials. The broader security community should consider this vulnerability as a classic example of how seemingly minor implementation flaws in authentication systems can create significant escalation paths for attackers.