CVE-2004-1997 in Groupware Server
Summary
by MITRE
Kolab stores OpenLDAP passwords in plaintext in the slapd.conf file, which may be installed world-readable, which allows local users to gain privileges.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/22/2019
The vulnerability described in CVE-2004-1997 represents a critical security flaw in the Kolab groupware system's handling of OpenLDAP authentication credentials. This issue stems from the improper storage of password information within the slapd.conf configuration file, which serves as the primary configuration file for the OpenLDAP server. The flaw occurs when administrative credentials and user passwords are written to this file in plain text format without any form of encryption or obfuscation, creating a significant exposure point for unauthorized access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the Kolab system's automatic generation and configuration process where LDAP passwords are directly embedded into the slapd.conf file without proper access controls or encryption mechanisms. When this configuration file is created with world-readable permissions, any local user on the system can access its contents and extract the plaintext passwords. This represents a fundamental failure in the principle of least privilege and proper credential management practices, as the system does not implement appropriate file permission controls or encryption of sensitive data at rest.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it enables local users to escalate their privileges and potentially gain administrative access to the LDAP directory service. According to CWE-312, this vulnerability falls under the category of "Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information," which specifically addresses the storage of confidential data without encryption. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires minimal technical expertise to exploit, making it accessible to both malicious insiders and external attackers who have gained local access to the system. The implications include unauthorized access to all directory services, potential data breaches, and the ability to manipulate user accounts and access controls within the LDAP infrastructure.
From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with multiple techniques including T1566 for credential access and T1078 for valid accounts. The exploitation process involves local privilege escalation through credential harvesting, which can lead to broader system compromise. Organizations implementing Kolab systems should immediately implement mandatory file permission controls ensuring that slapd.conf files are only readable by the LDAP service account and system administrators. The recommended mitigations include configuring proper file ownership and permissions, implementing encrypted storage mechanisms for sensitive configuration data, and conducting regular security audits to verify that no plaintext credentials exist in system configuration files. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect unauthorized access attempts to sensitive configuration files and establish automated processes for credential rotation and secure configuration management. The vulnerability underscores the importance of secure configuration management practices and the necessity of implementing defense-in-depth strategies to protect sensitive information across all system components.