CVE-2002-0007 in Bugzilla
Summary
by MITRE
CGI.pl in Bugzilla before 2.14.1, when using LDAP, allows remote attackers to obtain an anonymous bind to the LDAP server via a request that does not include a password, which causes a null password to be sent to the LDAP server.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/24/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-0007 represents a critical authentication flaw in Bugzilla versions prior to 2.14.1 that utilize LDAP authentication mechanisms. This issue stems from improper handling of authentication credentials within the CGI.pl script, which serves as a core component of Bugzilla's web interface. The flaw specifically manifests when LDAP authentication is enabled, creating a pathway for unauthorized access through a simple credential manipulation technique. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.002 for valid accounts used for lateral movement.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the absence of proper input validation and credential sanitization within the LDAP binding process. When users attempt to authenticate through Bugzilla's LDAP integration, the CGI.pl script fails to properly validate whether a password has been provided in the authentication request. This oversight allows attackers to submit authentication requests without including a password field, resulting in the LDAP server receiving a null or empty password value. The LDAP protocol itself accepts this null password binding, which typically results in an anonymous bind operation rather than a proper authenticated session. This behavior occurs because LDAP servers often permit anonymous binding when no credentials are provided, making the system vulnerable to unauthorized access.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of Bugzilla's authentication system. Attackers can exploit this flaw to gain access to Bugzilla's issue tracking system without requiring valid credentials, potentially leading to data exposure, modification of bug reports, or even complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on LDAP integration for user management, as it essentially bypasses the entire authentication mechanism by leveraging the LDAP server's default behavior of accepting anonymous binds. This issue particularly impacts environments where Bugzilla is used for sensitive software development tracking, as it could allow malicious actors to access confidential project information, security vulnerabilities, or development artifacts.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of Bugzilla installations to version 2.14.1 or later, which contains the necessary fixes to properly validate authentication credentials. Organizations should also implement network-level controls to restrict access to LDAP servers from Bugzilla instances, ensuring that only authorized systems can communicate with the directory service. Additionally, administrators should review and implement proper LDAP server configuration practices, including disabling anonymous binding where possible and implementing stricter access controls. The fix implemented in the patched version addresses the root cause by ensuring that authentication requests are properly validated before being forwarded to the LDAP server, preventing the transmission of null or empty password values that could result in unauthorized anonymous binds. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper credential handling in web applications and the potential consequences of inadequate input validation in authentication systems.