CVE-2007-0195 in FirePass
Summary
by MITRE
my.activation.php3 in F5 FirePass 5.4 through 5.5.1 and 6.0 displays different error messages for failed login attempts with a valid username than for those with an invalid username, which allows remote attackers to confirm the validity of an LDAP account.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/17/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-0195 affects F5 FirePass appliances running versions 5.4 through 5.5.1 and 6.0, representing a critical information disclosure flaw that undermines authentication security mechanisms. This issue stems from the application's inconsistent error handling behavior during login attempts, where the system provides distinct error messages depending on whether the username exists in the LDAP directory or not. The vulnerability operates at the application layer and specifically targets the authentication interface, making it particularly dangerous for environments relying on LDAP integration for user management.
The technical flaw manifests through a timing and response analysis attack vector where remote adversaries can exploit the differential error messaging to perform account enumeration. When an attacker submits a login request with a valid username but incorrect password, the system returns one type of error message that indicates the account exists within the LDAP directory. Conversely, when attempting to log in with an invalid username, the system provides a different error message that suggests the account does not exist. This subtle difference in error responses creates a clear signal that enables attackers to determine which usernames are legitimate within the LDAP directory without actually gaining access to the system.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability significantly weakens the security posture of organizations using F5 FirePass appliances for authentication. The ability to enumerate valid LDAP accounts enables attackers to focus their efforts on specific user accounts, dramatically reducing the complexity of subsequent password cracking or brute force attacks. This vulnerability directly violates the principle of least privilege and authentication security best practices, as it provides attackers with valuable reconnaissance information that would otherwise remain hidden. The impact extends beyond simple account enumeration since it can be combined with other techniques to facilitate more sophisticated attacks including credential stuffing and targeted social engineering campaigns.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-200 (Information Disclosure) and CWE-305 (Authentication Bypass) within the Common Weakness Enumeration framework, demonstrating how improper error handling can lead to information leakage that undermines authentication mechanisms. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 (Valid Accounts) and T1562.001 (Impair Defenses) as it enables attackers to establish persistence through valid account enumeration and potentially bypass security controls. Organizations using affected F5 FirePass versions should implement immediate mitigations including disabling the problematic authentication interface, implementing account lockout policies, and ensuring that error messages are standardized regardless of account validity. Additionally, network segmentation and monitoring of authentication attempts can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts, while regular security updates and patches should be applied to address the root cause of this vulnerability.