CVE-2009-1073 in nss-ldap
Summary
by MITRE
nss-ldapd before 0.6.8 uses world-readable permissions for the /etc/nss-ldapd.conf file, which allows local users to obtain a cleartext password for the LDAP server by reading the bindpw field.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/19/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1073 affects the nss-ldapd package version 0.6.8 and earlier, representing a critical security flaw in the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol integration mechanism. This issue stems from improper file permission configuration where the configuration file /etc/nss-ldapd.conf is created with world-readable permissions, allowing any local user on the system to access sensitive authentication credentials. The flaw specifically targets the bindpw field within the configuration file, which contains the cleartext password used to authenticate the nss-ldapd service to the LDAP server. This represents a direct violation of the principle of least privilege and exposes authentication credentials to unauthorized local access.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability exploits the fundamental security principle that sensitive configuration data should never be accessible to unprivileged users. When nss-ldapd is installed, it generates a configuration file that contains the LDAP bind password in cleartext format, which is essential for the service to function properly with the directory server. However, the default installation process fails to properly secure this file, leaving it accessible with read permissions for all users on the system. This misconfiguration creates an attack surface where any local user can execute a simple file read operation to extract the password, effectively compromising the entire LDAP authentication mechanism. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-732 as improper permission for a resource, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for credentials from password stores, making it particularly dangerous in multi-user environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it provides attackers with persistent access to directory services that may contain sensitive organizational data. Once an attacker obtains the LDAP bind password, they can perform unauthorized queries against the directory service, potentially accessing user accounts, group memberships, and other directory attributes. This access can enable further attacks such as privilege escalation, lateral movement within the network, or data exfiltration. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where nss-ldapd is commonly used for name service resolution and authentication integration, as it provides an easy path for attackers to gain access to critical directory services. The impact is compounded by the fact that this vulnerability does not require any network connectivity or external attack vectors, making it particularly dangerous as it can be exploited through simple local file access.
The mitigation strategy for this vulnerability involves immediate remediation through proper file permission configuration and system hardening practices. Administrators should ensure that the /etc/nss-ldapd.conf file is configured with restrictive permissions, typically setting ownership to root and removing world-read permissions. The recommended approach is to set permissions to 600 or 640, ensuring that only the root user and potentially specific system accounts can read the configuration file. Additionally, organizations should implement proper configuration management practices to prevent such issues from recurring and consider implementing automated security scanning tools to detect similar permission misconfigurations. The vulnerability highlights the importance of following security best practices such as the principle of least privilege, proper file access controls, and regular security auditing of system configurations. System administrators should also consider alternative authentication mechanisms or more secure configuration management approaches to reduce the attack surface associated with credential storage in configuration files.