CVE-2002-1413 in NetWare
Summary
by MITRE
RCONAG6 for Novell Netware SP2, while running RconJ in secure mode, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication using the RconJ "Secure IP" (SSL) option during a connection.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/30/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1413 affects RCONAG6 for Novell Netware SP2, specifically when the RconJ component operates in secure mode. This authentication flaw represents a critical security weakness in the network administration protocols of Novell Netware systems. The vulnerability manifests when the RconJ "Secure IP" (SSL) option is utilized during network connections, creating an exploitable condition that undermines the intended security measures.
The technical flaw lies in the improper implementation of authentication mechanisms within the RconJ secure mode functionality. When the SSL option is enabled for Secure IP connections, the system fails to properly validate authentication credentials, allowing unauthorized remote attackers to establish connections without proper authentication. This represents a classic bypass vulnerability where the security controls meant to protect the system are effectively circumvented through a flaw in the secure communication implementation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant for organizations running Novell Netware systems with RCONAG6 components. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to network administration functions, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects the integrity and confidentiality of network operations, as attackers can execute administrative commands without proper authorization. This type of vulnerability directly impacts the principle of least privilege and can enable attackers to escalate their privileges within the network infrastructure.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems. The flaw demonstrates poor access control implementation where the secure mode configuration fails to properly enforce authentication requirements. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation and initial access tactics, as attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms to gain administrative access to network resources. The remote nature of the attack means that threat actors can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly dangerous for organizations with exposed Netware systems.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the vulnerable RconJ secure mode functionality when not required, applying available patches from Novell if they exist, and implementing network segmentation to limit access to affected systems. Additional protective measures should include monitoring network traffic for suspicious authentication patterns and ensuring that only authorized administrative access points remain accessible. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper secure communication implementation and the need for thorough security testing of authentication mechanisms before deployment.