CVE-2009-0895 in eDirectory
Summary
by MITRE
Integer overflow in Novell eDirectory 8.7.3.x before 8.7.3.10 ftf2 and 8.8.x before 8.8.5.2 allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via an NDS Verb 0x1 request containing a large integer value that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-0895 represents a critical integer overflow flaw within Novell eDirectory software versions 8.7.3.x prior to 8.7.3.10 ftf2 and 8.8.x prior to 8.8.5.2. This issue resides in the handling of NDS Verb 0x1 requests which form part of the directory service communication protocol. The vulnerability manifests when a remote attacker sends a specially crafted request containing an excessively large integer value that causes the application to miscalculate buffer boundaries during memory allocation. This particular flaw falls under the CWE-190 category of integer overflow conditions, specifically manifesting as a heap-based buffer overflow that can lead to arbitrary code execution.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the manipulation of integer values within the NDS (Novell Directory Services) protocol implementation. When the eDirectory server processes an NDS Verb 0x1 request with an oversized integer parameter, the application fails to properly validate the input before performing memory operations. This validation failure results in a situation where the calculated buffer size exceeds the intended boundaries, causing subsequent memory allocation to corrupt adjacent heap memory regions. The heap corruption creates opportunities for attackers to inject malicious code into the vulnerable process memory space, effectively allowing remote code execution without authentication.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple remote code execution to encompass potential system compromise and data breach scenarios. Organizations relying on Novell eDirectory for directory services face significant risk as attackers can leverage this vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to critical infrastructure components. The vulnerability affects the core directory service functionality, potentially disrupting authentication mechanisms and compromising the integrity of user credentials stored within the directory. This makes it particularly dangerous for enterprise environments where directory services serve as foundational components for network authentication and access control systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2009-0895 should prioritize immediate patch deployment to affected Novell eDirectory versions, specifically upgrading to the patched releases mentioned in the vulnerability description. Network segmentation and firewall rules can provide temporary protection by restricting access to directory service ports from untrusted networks, though this approach does not eliminate the risk entirely. Implementing input validation controls and monitoring for anomalous integer values in NDS traffic can help detect potential exploitation attempts. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems with signature-based detection capabilities specifically targeting the vulnerable NDS Verb 0x1 request patterns. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for remote code execution and T1566 for credential access through network services, making it a significant concern for cybersecurity teams implementing comprehensive threat hunting and incident response protocols.