CVE-2008-7289 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Directory Server (TDS) 5.2 before 5.2.0.5-TIV-ITDS-LA0007 does not properly handle the simultaneous changing of multiple passwords, which makes it easier for remote authenticated users to cause a denial of service (DB2 daemon deadlock) by making password changes that trigger updates to a DB2 password-history table.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/23/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2008-7289 affects IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 5.2 before 5.2.0.5-TIV-ITDS-LA0007, representing a significant security flaw that undermines the server's stability and availability. This issue stems from the improper handling of concurrent password modifications within the directory service infrastructure, creating a scenario where legitimate administrative operations can inadvertently trigger system-wide disruptions.
The technical flaw manifests when multiple password changes occur simultaneously within the Tivoli Directory Server environment, specifically targeting the DB2 password-history table maintenance process. The vulnerability exploits a race condition or locking mechanism failure within the database interaction layer, where concurrent transactions attempting to update the password history table create a deadlock scenario. This occurs because the system fails to properly serialize or coordinate access to the shared DB2 resources during password modification operations, leading to circular wait conditions between database processes.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious denial of service risk that can be exploited by authenticated remote attackers who possess valid credentials within the directory service. The impact extends beyond simple service interruption as the deadlock condition can persist for extended periods, potentially requiring manual intervention or system restarts to resolve the database lock contention. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it leverages legitimate administrative functions to create system instability, making detection and prevention more challenging for security operations teams.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-367, which addresses Time-of-Check to Time-of-Use (TOCTOU) flaws and race conditions in resource management, and demonstrates how improper concurrency control can lead to system instability. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004 - Endpoint Denial of Service, where the adversary leverages legitimate system functions to create service disruption. The attack surface is expanded by the fact that any authenticated user with permission to modify passwords can potentially trigger this condition, making it a high-impact vulnerability for directory services that rely heavily on password management operations.
Mitigation strategies should focus on implementing proper database transaction serialization and locking mechanisms within the Tivoli Directory Server password update process. Organizations should apply the vendor-provided patch version 5.2.0.5-TIV-ITDS-LA0007 or later to address the root cause of the issue. Additionally, implementing rate limiting for password change operations and monitoring for unusual patterns of concurrent password modifications can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Network segmentation and access controls should be enforced to limit the number of authenticated users who can perform password modifications, reducing the attack surface for this specific vulnerability.