CVE-2011-0738 in MyProxy
Summary
by MITRE
MyProxy 5.0 through 5.2, as used in Globus Toolkit 5.0.0 through 5.0.2, does not properly verify the (1) hostname or (2) identity in the X.509 certificate for the myproxy-server, which allows remote attackers to spoof the server and conduct man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks via a crafted certificate when executing (a) myproxy-logon or (b) myproxy-get-delegation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/24/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-0738 represents a critical security flaw in the MyProxy server implementation within the Globus Toolkit ecosystem. This issue affects versions 5.0 through 5.2 of MyProxy and corresponding versions 5.0.0 through 5.0.2 of the Globus Toolkit, creating a significant risk for distributed computing environments that rely on secure credential delegation. The vulnerability stems from insufficient certificate validation mechanisms that fail to properly verify either the hostname or the identity embedded within X.509 certificates presented by the myproxy-server component.
The technical flaw manifests in the absence of proper certificate hostname verification and identity validation during the certificate exchange process. When users execute either myproxy-logon or myproxy-get-delegation commands, the client system does not adequately validate that the presented certificate corresponds to the expected server identity. This weakness allows attackers to craft malicious certificates that appear legitimate to the client system, thereby enabling successful man-in-the-middle attacks. The vulnerability specifically targets the certificate validation logic that should ensure certificate authenticity and server identity, creating a trust relationship that can be easily compromised.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, as it fundamentally undermines the security model of distributed computing environments relying on Globus Toolkit. Attackers can exploit this weakness to intercept and potentially manipulate credential delegation processes, gaining unauthorized access to protected resources and systems. The vulnerability affects the core authentication and authorization mechanisms that secure distributed computing infrastructures, potentially allowing adversaries to escalate privileges and access sensitive data or systems. This weakness particularly impacts grid computing environments where secure credential delegation is essential for maintaining trust boundaries between distributed components.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-0738 should prioritize immediate software updates to versions that address the certificate validation flaws. Organizations should implement proper certificate management practices including the use of certificate pinning techniques and enhanced certificate validation procedures. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which specifically addresses "Improper Certificate Validation" and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for "Unsecured Credentials" and T1046 for "Network Service Scanning." System administrators should also consider implementing additional network-level protections such as firewall rules restricting access to myproxy-server endpoints and monitoring for anomalous certificate exchange patterns. The remediation process should include thorough testing of updated components to ensure that certificate validation functions properly without disrupting legitimate credential delegation workflows. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential compromise from prior exploitation attempts and implement continuous monitoring for suspicious authentication activities.