CVE-2002-0697 in Metadirectory Services
Summary
by MITRE
Microsoft Metadirectory Services (MMS) 2.2 allows remote attackers to bypass authentication and modify sensitive data by using an LDAP client to directly connect to MMS and bypass the checks for MMS credentials.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/20/2019
Microsoft Metadirectory Services version 2.2 contains a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that fundamentally undermines the security architecture of the system. This vulnerability resides in the service's handling of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol connections, specifically allowing unauthorized remote access through direct LDAP client connections that circumvent the normal credential validation mechanisms. The flaw represents a design weakness in the authentication framework where the system fails to properly enforce credential checks when connections are established through the LDAP interface, creating an exploitable pathway for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to sensitive directory data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient input validation and authentication enforcement within the MMS service components. When an LDAP client establishes a direct connection to the Metadirectory Services, the system should perform mandatory credential verification before granting access to directory objects. However, the flaw allows attackers to establish connections without proper authentication, effectively bypassing the entire credential validation process. This represents a classic case of inadequate access control enforcement, which aligns with CWE-285 - Improper Authorization, and demonstrates a failure in the principle of least privilege enforcement within the directory services architecture. The vulnerability exists because the service does not properly validate the authentication state of connections made through the LDAP protocol interface.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching for organizations relying on Microsoft Metadirectory Services. Attackers can leverage this flaw to perform unauthorized modifications to directory data, potentially compromising the integrity of critical identity and access management systems. The ability to bypass authentication creates opportunities for data manipulation, information disclosure, and potential lateral movement within network environments where directory services are integral to access control. This vulnerability directly impacts the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of directory services, potentially allowing attackers to modify user accounts, permissions, and other sensitive directory objects. The impact extends beyond simple data access as it undermines the trust model that directory services provide for authentication and authorization within enterprise environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations to address this vulnerability, including applying the relevant security patches from Microsoft that correct the authentication bypass issue. Network segmentation and firewall rules should be implemented to restrict direct LDAP access to the MMS service from untrusted networks, limiting exposure to potential attackers. Additionally, monitoring and logging should be enhanced to detect unauthorized LDAP connections and authentication bypass attempts. The mitigation strategy should include disabling unnecessary LDAP services where possible and implementing strong network access controls that enforce proper authentication before granting directory access. This vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper authentication enforcement in directory services and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 - Valid Accounts, as attackers can leverage this flaw to operate with elevated privileges without proper authentication. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as intrusion detection systems and regular security assessments to identify and prevent exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the critical need for proper credential validation and access control enforcement in enterprise directory services to maintain the security posture of identity management infrastructure.