CVE-2002-1379 in OpenLDAP
Summary
by MITRE
OpenLDAP2 (OpenLDAP 2) 2.2.0 and earlier allows remote or local attackers to execute arbitrary code when libldap reads the .ldaprc file within applications that are running with extra privileges.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/23/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1379 represents a critical security flaw in OpenLDAP 2 versions 2.2.0 and earlier, specifically affecting the libldap library's handling of configuration files. This issue stems from improper privilege handling during the processing of the .ldaprc file, which creates a dangerous condition where attackers can manipulate application behavior through crafted configuration inputs. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited both remotely and locally, expanding the attack surface significantly. When applications utilizing libldap run with elevated privileges, the malicious code execution becomes possible through the configuration file parsing mechanism.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the insecure processing of user-controlled input within the .ldaprc file. When libldap encounters this file during application initialization, it does not properly validate or sanitize the content before executing any commands or loading modules specified within it. This behavior creates a classic path traversal and code execution scenario where an attacker can inject malicious commands that get executed with the privileges of the running application. The flaw essentially allows arbitrary code execution through configuration file manipulation, bypassing normal access controls and privilege boundaries. This vulnerability directly maps to CWE-78, which describes improper neutralization of special elements used in OS commands, and CWE-22, representing improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory.
The operational impact of CVE-2002-1379 is severe and multifaceted, particularly affecting systems where OpenLDAP applications run with elevated privileges such as root or administrative accounts. Attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain complete control over affected systems, potentially leading to data breaches, system compromise, and further lateral movement within networks. The vulnerability is especially dangerous in enterprise environments where LDAP services are commonly used for authentication and directory services, as compromise of these services can cascade into broader security incidents. Systems that rely on OpenLDAP for critical authentication functions become particularly vulnerable, as attackers can exploit this weakness to escalate privileges and execute malicious code with system-level access.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate patching of affected OpenLDAP installations to versions 2.2.1 and later, which contain fixes for the configuration file processing issue. Organizations should also implement strict file permissions on .ldaprc files, ensuring they are only writable by privileged users and not accessible to untrusted parties. Additionally, security hardening practices should include running applications with minimal required privileges and implementing proper input validation for all configuration file processing. Network segmentation and monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior associated with LDAP service access, as this vulnerability can be exploited through both local and remote attack vectors. The mitigation approach aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001, which involves the execution of code through command and scripting interpreters, and T1548.001, representing abuse of privilege escalation techniques. System administrators should also conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify any other applications that might be similarly vulnerable due to improper configuration file handling.