CVE-2002-1508 in OpenLDAP
Summary
by MITRE
slapd in OpenLDAP2 (OpenLDAP 2) 2.2.0 and earlier allows local users to overwrite arbitrary files via a race condition during the creation of a log file for rejected replication requests.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/06/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2002-1508 represents a critical race condition flaw in the OpenLDAP 2.2.0 and earlier versions of the slapd daemon. This issue specifically affects the log file creation process for rejected replication requests, creating a window where malicious local users can exploit the timing gap to overwrite arbitrary files on the system. The vulnerability stems from improper file handling during the logging mechanism, where the daemon does not adequately secure the temporary file creation process that occurs when replication requests are rejected.
The technical implementation of this flaw involves a classic race condition scenario where the slapd service creates log files without proper synchronization mechanisms or atomic operations. When replication requests are rejected, the system attempts to create a log file to record these failures, but the process lacks adequate file permission controls and atomic file creation methods. Local attackers can exploit this by rapidly creating and manipulating temporary files during the brief window between when the log file is checked for existence and when it is actually created, allowing them to substitute their own files for the intended log files or manipulate existing files with elevated privileges.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is significant as it provides local users with the ability to overwrite arbitrary files on the system with the privileges of the slapd process, which typically runs with elevated permissions. This could potentially allow attackers to modify critical system files, configuration data, or even inject malicious code into the LDAP service itself. The vulnerability essentially creates a path for privilege escalation and persistent system compromise, as the attacker can leverage the elevated privileges of the slapd daemon to modify files that would otherwise be protected from modification by regular users.
This vulnerability aligns with CWE-362, which specifically addresses race conditions in software implementations, and demonstrates the importance of proper file handling and atomic operations in security-critical applications. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques through local exploitation and can be categorized under T1068, which covers 'Exploitation for Privilege Escalation'. The flaw also intersects with T1548.001, 'Abuse Elevation Control Mechanism', as it allows local users to leverage the elevated privileges of the slapd service to perform unauthorized file modifications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2002-1508 require immediate patching of OpenLDAP installations to versions 2.2.1 and later, where the race condition has been addressed through proper file creation atomicity and enhanced permission controls. System administrators should also implement proper file system permissions and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, ensuring that the slapd service runs with minimal necessary privileges. Additionally, monitoring for unusual file modification patterns and implementing proper logging mechanisms can help detect exploitation attempts. Regular security audits and vulnerability assessments should be conducted to identify similar race condition flaws in other system components and services.