CVE-2007-4566 in SIDVault LDAP Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple buffer overflows in the login mechanism in sidvault in Alpha Centauri Software SIDVault LDAP Server before 2.0f allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via crafted LDAP packets, as demonstrated by a long dc entry in an LDAP bind.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/18/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2007-4566 represents a critical security flaw in the Alpha Centauri Software SIDVault LDAP Server version 2.0f and earlier. This issue stems from multiple buffer overflow conditions within the server's login mechanism, specifically affecting the sidvault component that handles Lightweight Directory Access Protocol authentication requests. The flaw manifests when the server processes LDAP bind operations containing maliciously crafted data, particularly long dc (domain component) entries that exceed allocated buffer boundaries.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of LDAP packets during the authentication process, where attackers can craft specially designed dc entries that trigger buffer overflow conditions in the server's memory management. These buffer overflows enable remote attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations, potentially allowing arbitrary code execution on the vulnerable system. The attack vector specifically targets the LDAP bind operation, which is fundamental to establishing authenticated connections within LDAP environments, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous as it can be exploited without requiring prior authentication credentials.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe threat to organizations relying on the SIDVault LDAP Server for directory services. Successful exploitation could result in complete system compromise, allowing attackers to execute malicious code with the privileges of the affected service account. The vulnerability affects the core authentication functionality of the server, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges, access sensitive directory information, or establish persistent backdoors within the network infrastructure. The remote nature of the exploit means that attackers can target the vulnerable server from outside the network perimeter without requiring physical access or prior network compromise.
The underlying technical flaw aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and demonstrates characteristics consistent with CWE-122, heap-based buffer overflow vulnerabilities. This vulnerability can be mapped to ATT&CK technique T1190, which covers exploit public-facing application, and T1059, covering command and scripting interpreter, as the successful exploitation would likely involve executing malicious code within the target environment. Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including applying the vendor-provided patch for SIDVault LDAP Server version 2.0f or later, implementing network segmentation to limit exposure of the vulnerable service, and monitoring for suspicious LDAP traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts.
The remediation approach requires organizations to conduct thorough vulnerability assessments to identify all instances of the affected software and ensure proper patch management procedures are in place. Network administrators should also implement intrusion detection systems capable of identifying malformed LDAP packets and consider implementing additional security controls such as LDAP filtering rules to limit the impact of potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability underscores the importance of proper input validation and memory management in network services, particularly those handling authentication mechanisms that are critical to enterprise security infrastructure.