CVE-2011-2758 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
IDSWebApp in the Web Administration Tool in IBM Tivoli Directory Server (TDS) 6.2 before 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0004 does not require authentication for access to LDAP Server log files, which allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information via a crafted URL.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/14/2021
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2758 resides within IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 6.2 before 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0004, specifically within the IDSWebApp component of the Web Administration Tool. This issue represents a critical security flaw that fundamentally undermines the authentication mechanisms protecting sensitive system information. The vulnerability manifests in the improper access control implementation where the web application fails to enforce authentication requirements for accessing LDAP server log files, creating an unauthorized information disclosure scenario that directly violates fundamental security principles.
The technical flaw stems from a design oversight in the IDSWebApp's access control logic where LDAP server log file resources are exposed without proper authentication checks. Attackers can exploit this weakness by crafting specific URLs that bypass the normal authentication flow, thereby gaining direct access to sensitive log files that contain detailed information about directory server operations, user activities, and potentially system vulnerabilities. This represents a classic case of insufficient access control as classified under CWE-284, where the system fails to properly enforce authorization mechanisms for accessing protected resources. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through simple URL manipulation, making it particularly dangerous as it requires no special privileges or complex exploitation techniques.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as LDAP server logs typically contain highly sensitive data including user authentication attempts, directory queries, system errors, and potentially credentials or system configurations. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability can gain comprehensive insights into the directory server's operational environment, which could then be leveraged for further attacks against the broader system infrastructure. This aligns with ATT&CK technique T1005 which involves data from local system, and T1078 which covers valid accounts, as the attacker can potentially use the gathered information to escalate privileges or move laterally within the network environment. The exposure of such sensitive data creates a significant risk for organizations relying on Tivoli Directory Server for identity management and access control.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including applying the vendor-provided security fix for IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0004, which addresses the authentication bypass issue in the IDSWebApp component. Network administrators should also consider implementing additional access controls such as firewall rules to restrict access to the web administration tool, particularly limiting access to trusted IP addresses and implementing proper authentication mechanisms. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to log files, and regular security audits should verify that proper access controls are in place for all administrative interfaces. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of implementing defense-in-depth strategies and proper access control enforcement, as highlighted by the principle of least privilege and the need for robust authentication mechanisms in enterprise directory services.