CVE-2001-1233 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
Netware Enterprise Web Server 5.1 running GroupWise WebAccess 5.5 with Novell Directory Services (NDS) enabled allows remote attackers to enumerate user names, group names and other system information by accessing ndsobj.nlm.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/23/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2001-1233 represents a significant information disclosure flaw within the Novell Netware Enterprise Web Server 5.1 environment. This issue specifically affects systems running GroupWise WebAccess 5.5 with Novell Directory Services enabled, creating a pathway for remote attackers to gather sensitive system intelligence through unauthorized access to the ndsobj.nlm module. The flaw exists at the intersection of web server functionality and directory service integration, where proper access controls fail to prevent enumeration of critical system components.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient authorization checks within the ndsobj.nlm module, which serves as an interface for accessing Novell Directory Services objects. When remote attackers access this specific module, they can traverse the directory structure to discover user accounts, group memberships, and other organizational information that should remain protected within the enterprise network. This type of information disclosure vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which categorizes improper output sanitization and information exposure issues. The flaw essentially provides an open door for attackers to map the directory structure without proper authentication, enabling them to build comprehensive profiles of the organization's user base and organizational hierarchy.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information gathering, as it provides attackers with foundational intelligence for subsequent attacks. Once user names and group information are enumerated, threat actors can craft more targeted phishing campaigns, identify high-value accounts for credential harvesting, or map network access patterns for privilege escalation attempts. This vulnerability particularly affects organizations using legacy Novell directory services, where the attack surface is expanded due to the integration of web-based access points with directory services. The risk is amplified because the enumeration occurs over network protocols, allowing attackers to perform reconnaissance from external networks without requiring physical access to the system.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability maps to several ATT&CK techniques including T1087.002 for account discovery and T1069.002 for credential access. The ability to enumerate directory objects provides attackers with systematic access to user accounts and group memberships, which can then be leveraged for privilege escalation or lateral movement within the network. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including access control restrictions on the ndsobj.nlm module, network segmentation to limit exposure, and disabling unnecessary web access to directory services. Additionally, regular security assessments should verify that directory service interfaces are properly secured and that access controls are appropriately configured to prevent unauthorized enumeration of system objects.
The broader implications of this vulnerability highlight the importance of proper access control implementation in integrated systems where web interfaces interact with directory services. Organizations should consider implementing comprehensive directory service security measures including proper authentication protocols, access logging, and monitoring for unusual enumeration patterns. This vulnerability demonstrates that even legacy systems require ongoing security attention, particularly when they provide web-based access points to core directory services. Regular vulnerability assessments and security updates should be prioritized for systems running integrated directory and web server components to prevent similar information disclosure scenarios that could compromise organizational security posture.