CVE-2007-3028 in Windows
Summary
by MITRE
The LDAP service in Windows Active Directory in Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SP4 does not properly check "the number of convertible attributes", which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (service unavailability) via a crafted LDAP request, related to "client sent LDAP request logic," aka "Windows Active Directory Denial of Service Vulnerability". NOTE: this is probably a different issue than CVE-2007-0040.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-3028 represents a critical denial of service weakness within the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol implementation of Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Active Directory services. This flaw specifically targets the LDAP service component that handles directory queries and authentication requests, creating a scenario where malicious actors can exploit the system's insufficient validation mechanisms to disrupt normal operational procedures. The vulnerability stems from the Windows Active Directory's inadequate handling of attribute conversion counts within LDAP request processing, which constitutes a fundamental failure in input validation and resource management. The issue affects systems running Microsoft Windows 2000 Server with Service Pack 4, making it particularly concerning given the widespread deployment of this operating system in enterprise environments during that time period.
The technical flaw manifests when the LDAP service receives a specially crafted request that manipulates the count of attributes that can be converted during the processing of directory queries. This particular weakness falls under the category of improper input validation as defined by CWE-20, where the system fails to properly validate or sanitize the number of convertible attributes in LDAP requests. The vulnerability operates through a logic flaw in the client request handling mechanism, where the system does not adequately verify the legitimacy of attribute conversion counts before proceeding with processing. This allows attackers to submit malformed requests that cause the LDAP service to consume excessive system resources or enter an unstable state, ultimately leading to service unavailability. The attack vector is entirely remote, requiring no local system access or authentication credentials, making it particularly dangerous for networked environments where Active Directory services are exposed to external traffic.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple service disruption, creating cascading effects throughout enterprise infrastructure that relies on Active Directory for authentication and directory services. When exploited successfully, the denial of service condition can render directory services unavailable for extended periods, affecting user authentication, resource access, and overall network functionality. Organizations may experience significant downtime as administrators work to restore services, potentially impacting business operations and productivity. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers can target systems from outside the network perimeter, making it particularly attractive for malicious actors seeking to disrupt enterprise operations. Additionally, the fact that this issue is distinct from CVE-2007-0040 indicates that Microsoft had identified multiple related weaknesses within the Active Directory LDAP implementation, suggesting a broader architectural problem with how the service handles complex request processing scenarios.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-3028 should focus on both immediate protective measures and long-term architectural improvements. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of Active Directory services to untrusted networks, while also applying the relevant security patches provided by Microsoft. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and resource management in directory services, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service. Security teams should monitor LDAP traffic for unusual patterns and implement rate limiting to prevent exploitation attempts, while also ensuring that systems are properly updated with the latest security patches. The vulnerability highlights the need for comprehensive security testing of directory services and the importance of understanding how different service components interact with each other, particularly in enterprise environments where Active Directory serves as a critical infrastructure component. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify and alert on suspicious LDAP request patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.