CVE-2002-2083 in NetWare Client
Summary
by MITRE
The Novell Netware client running on Windows 95 allows local users to bypass the login and open arbitrary files via the "What is this?" help feature, which can be launched from the Novell Netware login screen.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2002-2083 represents a critical security flaw in the Novell Netware client implementation for Windows 95 systems. This issue stems from improper access controls and privilege escalation mechanisms within the client software's user interface components. The vulnerability specifically targets the authentication process by exploiting a help feature that is accessible during the initial login screen, allowing unauthorized users to bypass the standard authentication procedures and gain access to network resources.
The technical flaw manifests through the "What is this?" help feature which operates with insufficient privilege checks and validation mechanisms. When this help function is invoked from the Netware login screen, it executes with elevated privileges that should only be available to authenticated users. This design oversight creates an attack vector where local users can manipulate the help system to access arbitrary files and network resources without proper authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it exists at the point of initial system access, making it an ideal entry point for malicious activities.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability compromises the fundamental security model of the Novell Netware client implementation. Local users can exploit this flaw to access sensitive network resources, potentially including confidential files, system configurations, and other protected data. The impact extends beyond simple unauthorized access as it undermines the entire authentication framework, allowing attackers to establish persistent access to networked resources. This vulnerability essentially renders the login mechanism ineffective, providing attackers with unrestricted access to networked systems during the authentication phase.
The security implications of CVE-2002-2083 align with CWE-284 access control vulnerabilities, specifically addressing improper access control mechanisms within the authentication process. This weakness falls under the broader category of privilege escalation vulnerabilities that can be exploited to gain unauthorized access to system resources. The ATT&CK framework would categorize this as privilege escalation through application exploitation, where the attacker leverages a flaw in the client application to bypass authentication requirements. The vulnerability also demonstrates characteristics of credential dumping and authentication bypass techniques that are commonly used in network security attacks.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability should focus on immediate patching of the Novell Netware client software and implementation of additional access controls. Organizations should ensure that all systems running the affected client software are updated with the latest security patches from Novell. Network segmentation and access control policies should be implemented to limit the impact of potential exploitation. Additionally, system administrators should monitor for unauthorized access attempts and implement logging mechanisms to detect exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper privilege separation and access control validation, particularly during authentication processes where security controls are most critical. Regular security assessments should be conducted to identify similar flaws in other client applications and ensure that all authentication mechanisms are properly validated and secured against manipulation.