CVE-2010-2927 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
The slapi_printmessage function in IBM Tivoli Directory Server (ITDS) before 6.0.0.8-TIV-ITDS-IF0006 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via multiple incomplete DIGEST-MD5 connection attempts.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/17/2017
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-2927 affects IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 6.0.0.7 and earlier, specifically targeting the slapi_printmessage function within the server's LDAP implementation. This flaw represents a denial of service condition that can be exploited by remote attackers through a carefully crafted sequence of incomplete DIGEST-MD5 authentication attempts. The vulnerability operates at the protocol level where the server fails to properly handle malformed or incomplete authentication exchanges, leading to daemon instability and subsequent service disruption. The issue stems from inadequate input validation and error handling within the authentication framework, particularly when processing DIGEST-MD5 mechanisms that are commonly used for secure LDAP connections.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability involves initiating multiple LDAP connections using the DIGEST-MD5 authentication mechanism without completing the authentication process properly. Each incomplete connection attempt triggers the slapi_printmessage function which contains a flaw in how it processes certain error conditions or malformed input data. When multiple such incomplete attempts are made in succession, the cumulative effect causes the server daemon to crash or become unresponsive. This behavior aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions, and CWE-122, which covers buffer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to denial of service. The vulnerability operates at the application layer within the LDAP protocol stack, specifically affecting the server's ability to maintain stable connections and process legitimate authentication requests.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant disruption for directory services that rely on IBM Tivoli Directory Server for user authentication and access control. Organizations using affected versions of ITDS may experience unauthorized service disruption, potentially affecting thousands of users who depend on directory services for system access, email services, and enterprise applications. The remote nature of the attack means that adversaries can exploit this vulnerability from outside the network perimeter without requiring local access or authentication credentials. This makes the vulnerability particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where directory servers serve as critical infrastructure components. The attack can be executed with minimal resources and technical expertise, making it an attractive vector for both opportunistic and targeted attacks. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1499.004, which covers network denial of service attacks, and T1566.002, which involves phishing through social engineering, as attackers may use this vulnerability as part of broader attack campaigns.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-2927 primarily involve upgrading to IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 6.0.0.8-TIV-ITDS-IF0006 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the flawed slapi_printmessage function. Organizations should also implement network-level protections such as firewall rules that limit the number of authentication attempts from individual IP addresses and monitor for unusual connection patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts. Additional defensive measures include configuring connection timeouts, implementing rate limiting for authentication requests, and deploying intrusion detection systems that can identify suspicious LDAP traffic patterns. Security administrators should also consider disabling DIGEST-MD5 authentication mechanisms if they are not strictly required for business operations, as this reduces the attack surface for exploitation. Regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing should be conducted to identify similar issues in other directory services and LDAP implementations within the enterprise infrastructure.