CVE-2006-2754 in OpenLDAP
Summary
by MITRE
Stack-based buffer overflow in st.c in slurpd for OpenLDAP before 2.3.22 might allow attackers to execute arbitrary code via a long hostname.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/20/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2006-2754 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow flaw in the slurpd component of OpenLDAP software versions prior to 2.3.22. This issue specifically affects the st.c file within the slurpd daemon which handles replication operations between LDAP servers. The vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation when processing hostnames, creating an exploitable condition that could lead to arbitrary code execution on affected systems. The flaw is categorized under CWE-121 as a stack-based buffer overflow, where an attacker can overwrite adjacent stack memory locations through excessive input data.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability occurs when slurpd receives a replication request containing an excessively long hostname parameter. The software fails to properly bounds-check the input length before copying it into a fixed-size stack buffer, allowing the overflow to occur. This type of buffer overflow creates a predictable memory corruption scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite return addresses, function pointers, and other critical stack variables. The attack vector is particularly concerning because it requires no authentication and can be exploited through network-based replication traffic, making it accessible to remote attackers.
Operational impact of CVE-2006-2754 extends beyond simple code execution as it can enable complete system compromise when exploited successfully. The vulnerability affects OpenLDAP deployments that utilize slurpd for directory replication, which represents a significant portion of enterprise LDAP infrastructures at the time of discovery. Attackers could leverage this flaw to escalate privileges, establish persistent backdoors, or conduct further reconnaissance within the network. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, making it particularly dangerous in environments where LDAP servers have elevated privileges or access to sensitive directory information.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2006-2754 primarily involve upgrading to OpenLDAP version 2.3.22 or later, which includes proper input validation and buffer size checks. Organizations should also implement network segmentation to limit access to slurpd services, disable unnecessary replication functionality when possible, and monitor for unusual hostname patterns in replication traffic. Additional defensive measures include deploying intrusion detection systems to detect malformed hostname inputs and implementing proper access controls to restrict who can initiate replication requests. Security teams should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected OpenLDAP versions and ensure that proper patch management procedures are in place to prevent similar issues in the future. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in network services and highlights how seemingly simple buffer overflow conditions can lead to severe security consequences in directory services infrastructure.