CVE-2011-1820 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
IBM Tivoli Directory Server (TDS) 5.2 before 5.2.0.5-TIV-ITDS-IF0010, 6.0 before 6.0.0.67 (aka 6.0.0.8-TIV-ITDS-IF0009), 6.1 before 6.1.0.40 (aka 6.1.0.5-TIV-ITDS-IF0003), 6.2 before 6.2.0.16 (aka 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0002), and 6.3 before 6.3.0.3 (aka 6.3.0.0-TIV-ITDS-IF0003) does not properly handle the ibm-auditAttributesOnGroupEvalOp setting for auditing of extended operations, which might allow attackers to obtain sensitive information by reading the audit log.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/16/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-1820 affects IBM Tivoli Directory Server versions across multiple release branches including 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, 6.2, and 6.3. This issue stems from improper handling of the ibm-auditAttributesOnGroupEvalOp setting within the directory server's auditing framework. The flaw specifically impacts how the system processes auditing of extended operations, creating a potential information disclosure risk that could be exploited by unauthorized actors. The vulnerability exists in the audit logging mechanism where the server fails to properly sanitize or restrict access to sensitive attributes during group evaluation operations, allowing attackers to extract confidential information from audit logs that should remain protected.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability resides in the audit subsystem's handling of extended operations within the directory server's access control and logging mechanisms. When the ibm-auditAttributesOnGroupEvalOp setting is configured, the server should properly filter and restrict which attributes are logged during group evaluation processes. However, the flaw allows for insufficient access control enforcement during these operations, resulting in the inclusion of sensitive attributes in audit logs that should not be accessible to all users or processes. This represents a violation of the principle of least privilege and demonstrates inadequate input validation and output sanitization within the auditing component. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-200, Information Exposure, and specifically relates to improper restriction of information flow within the directory server's auditing infrastructure.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it enables attackers to gain insights into directory structure, user attributes, and potentially sensitive organizational data through examination of audit logs. An attacker who can access the audit logs could extract information about user group memberships, attribute values, and directory access patterns that would normally be restricted. This could facilitate further attacks including privilege escalation, social engineering, or targeted attacks against specific users or groups within the directory environment. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where directory servers contain sensitive organizational data and where audit logs serve as critical security monitoring tools. According to ATT&CK framework, this vulnerability maps to T1070.001 (Indicator Removal on Host: Clear Windows Event Logs) and T1566 (Phishing) as it could provide attackers with information to craft more convincing social engineering attacks or to identify targets for additional exploitation attempts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2011-1820 should focus on immediate patch application to the affected IBM Tivoli Directory Server versions, with administrators verifying that the specific security fix for this vulnerability has been properly installed. Organizations should also implement additional monitoring of audit log access patterns to detect potential unauthorized access attempts, while ensuring that audit logging is properly configured with appropriate access controls. The recommended approach includes reviewing and restricting access to audit log files, implementing log rotation policies, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive audit information. Additionally, administrators should consider disabling unnecessary extended operations when not required, and regularly review the ibm-auditAttributesOnGroupEvalOp configuration to ensure it aligns with the organization's security requirements. The vulnerability highlights the importance of proper access control implementation in directory services and emphasizes the need for comprehensive security testing of audit and logging mechanisms within enterprise directory infrastructure. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security controls such as centralized log management systems with proper access controls and encryption of audit data both in transit and at rest to further protect against information disclosure threats.