CVE-2008-0890 in Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat Directory Server 7.1 before SP4 uses insecure permissions for certain directories, which allows local users to modify JAR files and execute arbitrary code via unknown vectors.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/12/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-0890 affects Red Hat Directory Server version 7.1 prior to Service Pack 4, presenting a critical security flaw rooted in insecure directory permissions that enables local privilege escalation. This issue stems from improper access control configurations where specific directories containing JAR files are not properly secured, creating pathways for malicious local users to manipulate these components and subsequently execute arbitrary code on the affected system. The vulnerability represents a classic case of inadequate privilege separation and file system access control that undermines the integrity of the directory server implementation.
The technical flaw manifests through insecure file permissions that allow local users to modify JAR files within designated directories, which are typically used for application execution and code loading. When these JAR files are modified by unauthorized users, they can be crafted to contain malicious code that gets executed with the privileges of the directory server process. This creates a privilege escalation vector where local users can leverage the directory server's elevated permissions to gain broader system access. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates through unknown vectors, indicating that the exact attack mechanisms may not be fully documented, making it more challenging to defend against and requiring comprehensive security monitoring approaches.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can lead to complete system compromise when local users exploit the insecure permissions. Attackers can manipulate the directory server's runtime environment by replacing legitimate JAR files with malicious ones, potentially gaining access to sensitive directory information, modifying authentication mechanisms, or establishing persistent access points. This vulnerability affects organizations relying on Red Hat Directory Server 7.1 without the proper service pack updates, creating potential data breaches, service disruptions, and unauthorized access to directory services that form the backbone of many enterprise authentication systems. The attack surface is particularly wide given that directory servers typically run with elevated privileges and maintain access to critical organizational data.
Organizations should implement immediate remediation measures including applying Red Hat Directory Server Service Pack 4 or equivalent security patches that address the insecure permission configurations. System administrators must conduct thorough permission audits of directory server installations to identify and correct any insecure file access controls that may have been overlooked during initial deployment. Security monitoring should include continuous verification of directory permissions and file integrity checks for JAR files within directory server environments. Additionally, implementing principle of least privilege configurations and regular security assessments of directory services can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging in the future. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which addresses inadequate permissions for critical resources, and represents a potential ATT&CK technique involving privilege escalation through local exploitation of insecure system components.