CVE-2011-0718 in Network Satellite Server
Summary
by MITRE
Red Hat Network (RHN) Satellite Server 5.4 does not use a time delay after a failed login attempt, which makes it easier for remote attackers to conduct brute force password guessing attacks.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0718 affects Red Hat Network Satellite Server version 5.4, specifically addressing a critical security flaw in the authentication mechanism that undermines the system's resistance to automated attack vectors. This issue resides within the server's login validation process where the system fails to implement proper account lockout or delay mechanisms following unsuccessful authentication attempts. The absence of such protective measures creates a significant weakness that directly enables malicious actors to exploit the system through systematic password guessing operations.
From a technical perspective, the flaw represents a failure in implementing account lockout policies and rate limiting controls that are fundamental to preventing brute force attacks. The lack of time delays or account temporary locking after failed login attempts allows attackers to rapidly iterate through password combinations without encountering any meaningful delays that would slow down or block automated attack tools. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-307, which addresses improper restriction of excessive authentication attempts, and demonstrates a clear gap in the authentication system's design that violates established security principles. The system's behavior creates an environment where credential stuffing and password spraying attacks become significantly more effective, as the attacker can make numerous login attempts in quick succession without facing any rate limiting or account lockout mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential compromise, as it provides attackers with a straightforward path to unauthorized system access that can lead to complete system compromise. When combined with other vulnerabilities or attack vectors, this weakness can serve as a critical entry point for threat actors seeking to gain administrative control over the Red Hat Satellite infrastructure. The implications are particularly severe given that Satellite servers typically manage large numbers of systems and maintain sensitive configuration data, making them attractive targets for attackers seeking to establish persistent access or execute lateral movement attacks. This vulnerability can be exploited using standard brute force tools and techniques, making it accessible to attackers with minimal technical expertise while still providing significant potential for system compromise.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0718 should focus on implementing proper account lockout mechanisms and authentication rate limiting controls within the Red Hat Satellite environment. Organizations should configure the system to enforce time delays between login attempts, implement automatic account lockout after a specified number of failed attempts, and consider implementing additional authentication controls such as multi-factor authentication. The solution should align with industry standards and best practices for authentication security, including those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-63B, which emphasizes the importance of account lockout mechanisms and rate limiting to prevent automated attacks. Additionally, implementing monitoring and alerting for unusual authentication patterns can help detect and respond to brute force attempts that may still occur despite protective measures. Security teams should also consider deploying intrusion prevention systems and configuring network-level controls to limit access to authentication endpoints, thereby reducing the attack surface and making brute force attempts more difficult to execute successfully.