CVE-2006-4509 in eDirectory
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in the evtFilteredMonitorEventsRequest function in the LDAP service in Novell eDirectory before 8.8.1 FTF1 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via a crafted request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/25/2026
The vulnerability described in CVE-2006-4509 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within the LDAP service implementation of Novell eDirectory software. This vulnerability specifically affects versions prior to 8.8.1 FTF1 and resides within the evtFilteredMonitorEventsRequest function which handles filtered monitoring events in the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol service. The integer overflow occurs when processing crafted requests that manipulate the size parameters of event monitoring operations, creating a condition where a 32-bit integer value exceeds its maximum representable range and wraps around to a negative value or zero.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability leverages the fundamental weakness in input validation and arithmetic operations within the LDAP service processing logic. When a remote attacker crafts a malicious request containing oversized or malformed parameters, the evtFilteredMonitorEventsRequest function fails to properly validate integer values before performing arithmetic operations or memory allocations. This flaw creates a scenario where the overflowed integer value can be used to manipulate memory allocation sizes or array indexing operations, potentially leading to buffer overflows or other memory corruption conditions that can be exploited to execute arbitrary code.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it provides attackers with remote access capabilities to systems running vulnerable versions of Novell eDirectory. The attack surface is particularly concerning because LDAP services are commonly exposed to external networks and are critical infrastructure components that often contain sensitive directory information. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, unauthorized access to directory services, data theft, or the establishment of persistent backdoors within the network environment. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-190, which specifically addresses integer overflow conditions, and represents a classic example of how improper integer handling can lead to remote code execution.
From a threat modeling perspective, this vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly benign input processing functions can become attack vectors when proper bounds checking is absent. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under the T1059.007 technique for command and scripting interpreter, as successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code through the compromised LDAP service. Organizations running vulnerable Novell eDirectory versions face significant risk, particularly those with exposed LDAP ports or those that rely heavily on directory services for authentication and authorization. The vulnerability affects systems where LDAP monitoring features are enabled and accessible, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where directory services are fundamental to network operations and user management.
The recommended mitigation strategy involves immediate deployment of Novell eDirectory 8.8.1 FTF1 or subsequent patches that address the integer overflow condition in the evtFilteredMonitorEventsRequest function. Security administrators should also implement network segmentation to limit exposure of LDAP services to untrusted networks, disable unnecessary monitoring features when possible, and monitor for suspicious LDAP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Additionally, implementing proper input validation and bounds checking mechanisms within custom applications that interface with LDAP services can provide additional defense in depth. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of vulnerable Novell eDirectory installations and ensure proper patch management processes are in place to maintain system security.