CVE-2008-0889 in Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat Directory Server 8.0, when running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux, uses insecure permissions for the redhat-idm-console script, which allows local users to execute arbitrary code by modifying the script.
VulDB is the best source for vulnerability data and more expert information about this specific topic.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0889 affects Red Hat Directory Server version 8.0 running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux systems. This security flaw resides in the permission settings of the redhat-idm-console script, which serves as a critical administrative interface for managing identity management services within the directory server environment. The insecure permissions create a privilege escalation vector that can be exploited by local attackers to gain elevated system privileges and execute malicious code with higher privileges than initially granted.
The technical flaw stems from improper file permission configuration where the redhat-idm-console script lacks adequate access controls and ownership restrictions. This vulnerability falls under the category of insecure permissions as classified by CWE-732, which specifically addresses inadequate permissions for critical security resources. The script's insecure configuration allows local users to modify the file contents, which then gets executed with elevated privileges due to the script's intended administrative function. This represents a classic privilege escalation vulnerability where a user with limited access can leverage the script's elevated permissions to execute arbitrary commands.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution as it provides attackers with a persistent foothold within the directory server environment. Since the redhat-idm-console script is designed for administrative purposes, any code executed through this vector would run with administrative privileges, potentially allowing attackers to modify directory contents, access sensitive user information, or even compromise the entire directory server infrastructure. The vulnerability affects systems where Red Hat Directory Server 8.0 is deployed, making it particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely heavily on centralized identity management solutions. Attackers could use this vulnerability to establish backdoors, modify authentication mechanisms, or gain access to critical enterprise data stored within the directory server.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2008-0889 should focus on immediate permission adjustments to ensure the redhat-idm-console script is properly secured with restrictive file permissions and appropriate ownership settings. System administrators should implement the principle of least privilege by ensuring that only authorized administrative users have write access to critical system scripts. The remediation process involves setting proper file permissions using chmod commands with restrictive settings such as 750 or 600, depending on the specific requirements, and ensuring that the script is owned by the appropriate administrative user or group. Additionally, implementing regular security audits and monitoring for unauthorized script modifications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider applying the vendor-provided security patches or updates that address this specific permission flaw. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to privilege escalation techniques and can be used as a persistence mechanism by attackers seeking to maintain access to enterprise directory services. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper file system security configurations and demonstrates how seemingly minor permission issues can create significant security risks in enterprise identity management systems.