CVE-2007-1644 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The dynamic DNS update mechanism in the DNS Server service on Microsoft Windows does not properly authenticate clients in certain deployments or configurations, which allows remote attackers to change DNS records for a web proxy server and conduct man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks on web traffic, conduct pharming attacks by poisoning DNS records, and cause a denial of service (erroneous name resolution).
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 08/30/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-1644 represents a critical authentication flaw within Microsoft Windows DNS Server services that fundamentally undermines network security infrastructure. This weakness exists in the dynamic DNS update mechanism, which is designed to allow authorized clients to automatically update DNS records. However, when deployed in certain configurations, the system fails to properly validate client credentials, creating an exploitable gap that adversaries can leverage for malicious purposes. The flaw specifically affects Windows operating systems where DNS Server service is configured to accept dynamic updates without adequate authentication controls.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from insufficient credential validation during the dynamic DNS update process. When DNS servers are configured to accept updates from unauthenticated sources, attackers can craft malicious DNS update requests that bypass normal authentication procedures. This occurs because the system does not properly enforce access controls that should restrict which entities can modify DNS records within the zone. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core of DNS infrastructure, which serves as the foundation for internet name resolution and network communication. The flaw enables attackers to manipulate DNS records in ways that can fundamentally disrupt network operations and compromise user security.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends far beyond simple network disruption, creating multiple attack vectors that can be exploited for sophisticated cyber operations. Remote attackers can leverage this weakness to conduct man-in-the-middle attacks by modifying DNS records to redirect web traffic through malicious proxies, effectively intercepting and potentially modifying user communications. The vulnerability also enables pharming attacks where attackers poison DNS records to redirect users to malicious websites that mimic legitimate services, facilitating credential theft and other fraudulent activities. Additionally, the flaw can be used to cause denial of service conditions by creating erroneous DNS records that result in failed name resolution, disrupting legitimate network services and user access to critical applications.
Organizations affected by this vulnerability face significant security risks that can compromise their entire network infrastructure. The ability to modify DNS records without proper authentication creates an attack surface that can be exploited for persistent threats, allowing adversaries to maintain long-term control over network traffic routing. The vulnerability aligns with several ATT&CK framework techniques including T1071.004 for application layer protocol and T1566 for credential harvesting through pharming attacks. From a CWE perspective, this represents a classic case of insufficient authentication (CWE-287) combined with improper access control mechanisms (CWE-285), demonstrating how weak authentication can lead to broader system compromise. The vulnerability also relates to CWE-352 which addresses cross-site request forgery issues, as the compromised DNS records can be used to manipulate web traffic in ways that appear legitimate to end users.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate attention to DNS server configurations and network security controls. Organizations should implement proper authentication mechanisms for dynamic DNS updates, ensuring that only authorized clients can modify DNS records. This includes configuring DNS zones to require secure updates, implementing proper access control lists, and establishing secure communication channels for DNS updates. Network segmentation and monitoring controls should be deployed to detect unauthorized DNS modifications, while regular security audits should verify that DNS configurations align with security best practices. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege in DNS server configurations, ensuring that dynamic update permissions are granted only to trusted systems and administrators. Additionally, organizations should implement DNS security extensions (DNSSEC) to provide additional layers of protection against DNS poisoning attacks that exploit this vulnerability.