CVE-2010-4341 in SSSD
Summary
by MITRE
The pam_parse_in_data_v2 function in src/responder/pam/pamsrv_cmd.c in the PAM responder in SSSD 1.5.0, 1.4.x, and 1.3 allows local users to cause a denial of service (infinite loop, crash, and login prevention) via a crafted packet.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/20/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2010-4341 affects the SSSD (System Security Services Daemon) PAM responder component, specifically within the pam_parse_in_data_v2 function located in src/responder/pam/pamsrv_cmd.c. This issue represents a critical flaw in the authentication infrastructure of Linux systems that rely on SSSD for identity management and authentication services. The vulnerability exists in SSSD versions 1.5.0, 1.4.x, and 1.3, making it a widespread concern across multiple releases of this essential system service.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure to properly validate incoming data packets within the PAM responder module. When a local user crafts a specially formatted packet and sends it to the SSSD service, the pam_parse_in_data_v2 function enters an infinite loop condition that consumes system resources and ultimately causes the service to crash. This improper input handling creates a path for privilege escalation and system instability, as the function fails to implement adequate boundary checks or data validation mechanisms before processing the received packets.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple denial of service conditions. The infinite loop behavior can cause the PAM responder to become unresponsive, which in turn prevents legitimate authentication attempts from completing successfully. This creates a scenario where users cannot log into systems that depend on SSSD for authentication, effectively rendering the authentication service unusable. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be exploited by local users who may not have elevated privileges, yet can still disrupt system operations and access control mechanisms.
From a cybersecurity perspective, this vulnerability aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of input boundaries, and represents a classic example of an input validation flaw that can lead to resource exhaustion and service disruption. The attack vector is classified as local privilege escalation, which falls under the ATT&CK framework's privilege escalation techniques where adversaries leverage system weaknesses to gain elevated access. The vulnerability demonstrates how seemingly minor input validation failures can create significant security implications within authentication infrastructure, as PAM services are fundamental to system security controls.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to patched versions of SSSD, implementing network segmentation to limit local access to authentication services, and monitoring for anomalous authentication patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability highlights the importance of robust input validation in security-critical components and underscores the need for thorough testing of authentication protocols against malformed inputs. System administrators should also consider implementing additional authentication monitoring and alerting mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts and maintain visibility into authentication service health.