CVE-2011-2759 in Tivoli Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
The login page of IDSWebApp in the Web Administration Tool in IBM Tivoli Directory Server (TDS) 6.2 before 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0004 does not have an off autocomplete attribute for authentication fields, which makes it easier for remote attackers to obtain access by leveraging an unattended workstation.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/10/2018
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2011-2759 affects the 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 security flaw resides in the login page implementation where authentication fields lack proper autocomplete attribute configuration. The issue creates a significant security risk by allowing attackers to exploit the automatic completion feature of web browsers to retrieve previously entered credentials, particularly when users access the system from shared or unattended workstations.
The technical flaw manifests as a missing autocomplete="off" attribute on the authentication form fields within the web interface. When web browsers encounter login forms without explicit autocomplete directives, they typically default to storing and auto-completing credentials for convenience. This behavior becomes problematic in enterprise environments where administrators may use shared workstations or where users access systems from public terminals. The vulnerability directly aligns with CWE-384, which categorizes the issue as a "Session Management Vulnerability" where the system fails to properly manage authentication state and credential handling mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft, creating a vector for privilege escalation and unauthorized access attempts. Remote attackers can exploit this weakness by leveraging unattended workstations where users have previously logged in, potentially gaining access to administrative functions without requiring additional authentication factors. This type of attack falls under the ATT&CK technique T1562.001, which involves "Impairing Defenses: Disable or Modify Tools," as the vulnerability undermines the security controls that should be in place for authentication. The risk is particularly elevated in environments where multiple users share workstations or where security policies are not strictly enforced regarding session management and credential protection.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including updating to IBM Tivoli Directory Server version 6.2.0.3-TIV-ITDS-IF0004 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address this vulnerability. Additionally, system administrators should manually configure the autocomplete attribute to "off" for all authentication fields within the web interface, ensuring that browsers do not store or auto-complete login credentials. Security policies should be reinforced to mandate that users clear browser cache and cookies after using shared systems, and that proper session timeout mechanisms are implemented to minimize the window of opportunity for credential exploitation. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following security best practices for web application development, including proper input validation and secure configuration of authentication interfaces to prevent similar issues in other components of the directory services infrastructure.