CVE-2003-1434 in login_ldap
Summary
by MITRE
login_ldap 3.1 and 3.2 allows remote attackers to initiate unauthenticated bind requests if (1) bind_anon_dn is on, which allows a bind with no password provided, (2) bind_anon_cred is on, which allows a bind with no DN, or (3) bind_anon is on, which allows a bind with no DN or password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2003-1434 affects login_ldap versions 3.1 and 3.2, presenting a critical security flaw that enables remote attackers to establish unauthorized authentication sessions. This issue stems from improperly configured anonymous bind parameters within the LDAP authentication module, creating pathways for unauthorized access to directory services. The vulnerability operates at the authentication layer where the system should enforce strict credential validation but instead permits authentication attempts without proper credentials.
The technical flaw manifests through three specific configuration parameters that when enabled create distinct attack vectors. When bind_anon_dn is activated, the system allows bind operations without requiring a password, effectively bypassing authentication requirements. Similarly, bind_anon_cred enables bind operations without specifying a distinguished name, while bind_anon permits authentication attempts with neither DN nor password. These parameters, when improperly configured, create a scenario where any remote attacker can establish an LDAP connection without providing valid credentials, fundamentally undermining the security model of the authentication system. This vulnerability directly relates to CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows attackers to perform unauthorized LDAP bind operations, potentially enabling them to access directory information, enumerate users, or even perform privileged operations depending on the LDAP server configuration. Attackers can exploit this weakness to conduct reconnaissance activities, map directory structures, and gather sensitive information without requiring valid credentials. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous because it operates at the network level where attackers can initiate these unauthenticated bind requests from remote locations, making detection and mitigation more challenging. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.002 which covers legitimate credentials usage through valid accounts.
Organizations using affected login_ldap versions face significant risks including unauthorized data access, potential privilege escalation, and information disclosure. The vulnerability can be exploited to perform directory traversal attacks, user enumeration, and other reconnaissance activities that could lead to more sophisticated attacks. Security teams should immediately review LDAP server configurations to ensure that anonymous bind functionality is disabled unless absolutely required for specific legitimate business processes. Mitigation strategies include disabling the problematic bind_anon_dn, bind_anon_cred, and bind_anon parameters, implementing proper access controls, and monitoring for unauthorized LDAP bind attempts. Additionally, network segmentation and firewall rules should be configured to restrict LDAP traffic to authorized systems only, reducing the attack surface and preventing unauthorized access to directory services.