CVE-2010-0708 in Java System Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple unspecified vulnerabilities in (1) ns-slapd and (2) slapd.exe in Sun Directory Server Enterprise Edition 7.0, Sun Java System Directory Server 5.2, and Sun Java System Directory Server Enterprise Edition 6.0 through 6.3.1 allow remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via a crafted LDAP search request.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/01/2026
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-0708 represents a critical denial of service weakness affecting Sun Directory Server implementations including the Sun Directory Server Enterprise Edition 7.0 and various versions of Sun Java System Directory Server 5.2 through 6.3.1. This vulnerability specifically impacts the ns-slapd and slapd.exe daemon processes that serve as core components for LDAP directory services. The flaw manifests through crafted LDAP search requests that can trigger daemon crashes, effectively disrupting directory services and compromising system availability. These directory servers form foundational elements for identity management and authentication services in enterprise environments, making the potential impact particularly severe.
The technical nature of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the LDAP processing mechanisms of these directory server implementations. When processing specially crafted LDAP search operations, the servers fail to properly handle malformed or unexpected request parameters, leading to memory corruption or execution errors that result in daemon termination. This class of vulnerability typically falls under CWE-121 which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, though the specific implementation details suggest more generalized input handling flaws that could manifest as various types of memory corruption. The attack vector requires only remote access to submit malicious LDAP requests, making exploitation relatively straightforward for attackers with network connectivity to the directory services.
The operational impact of CVE-2010-0708 extends beyond simple service disruption to potentially compromise enterprise identity infrastructure and authentication systems. Directory servers often serve as central points for user authentication, authorization, and identity management across multiple applications and systems. When these services become unavailable due to daemon crashes, downstream applications may experience cascading failures, authentication failures, and complete service outages. The vulnerability's ability to cause remote daemon crashes without requiring authentication makes it particularly dangerous in production environments where directory services are critical infrastructure components. Organizations relying on these directory servers for enterprise directory services face significant risk of operational disruption and potential security implications from unauthorized service disruption.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-0708 should prioritize immediate patching of affected systems with vendor-provided security updates. Organizations should implement network segmentation and access controls to limit exposure of directory servers to untrusted networks while maintaining necessary administrative access. Monitoring systems should be enhanced to detect unusual LDAP traffic patterns and potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499 which describes network denial of service attacks, and organizations should consider implementing intrusion detection systems to identify and respond to such attacks. Additionally, regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be conducted to identify similar weaknesses in directory service implementations. System administrators should also consider implementing redundant directory services and failover mechanisms to maintain availability during potential exploitation events, while maintaining detailed logging and audit trails to support forensic analysis if attacks occur.