CVE-2010-4217 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
Use-after-free vulnerability in the proxy server in IBM Tivoli Directory Server (TDS) 6.0.0.x before 6.0.0.8-TIV-ITDS-IF0007 and 6.1.x before 6.1.0-TIV-ITDS-FP0005 allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (daemon crash) via an unbind request that occurs during a certain search operation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/05/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4217 represents a critical use-after-free condition within IBM Tivoli Directory Server proxy server implementation. This flaw exists in versions 6.0.0.x prior to 6.0.0.8-TIV-ITDS-IF0007 and 6.1.x prior to 6.1.0-TIV-ITDS-FP0005, creating a scenario where remote attackers can manipulate the daemon process through carefully crafted unbind requests during specific search operations. The vulnerability stems from improper memory management practices where the proxy server fails to properly validate or handle memory references after objects have been freed, creating opportunities for malicious exploitation.
The technical execution of this vulnerability involves a specific sequence where an attacker sends an unbind request while a search operation is in progress, causing the proxy server to attempt to access memory that has already been deallocated. This use-after-free condition manifests as a daemon crash, resulting in a denial of service that disrupts directory services for legitimate users. The flaw operates at the application layer and requires network connectivity to the Tivoli Directory Server proxy component, making it particularly dangerous in environments where directory services are critical for authentication and authorization functions.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability creates significant risk for organizations relying on IBM Tivoli Directory Server for their directory services infrastructure. The denial of service condition can lead to widespread authentication failures, application disruptions, and potential business continuity issues. The vulnerability affects the stability of the directory service daemon, which typically serves as a central component for managing user identities and access control within enterprise environments. Organizations may experience cascading effects as dependent systems lose access to directory services, potentially impacting email systems, application logins, and network authentication mechanisms.
The vulnerability maps to CWE-416, which specifically addresses the use of memory after it has been freed, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1499.004 for network denial of service attacks. Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including applying the vendor-provided patches and updates, configuring network access controls to restrict exposure of the proxy server to trusted networks only, and implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous unbind request patterns. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing redundant directory services and establishing incident response procedures to quickly address potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper memory management in server applications and demonstrates how seemingly minor implementation flaws can result in significant service disruption.