CVE-2012-5631 in Ipa
Summary
by MITRE
ipa 3.0 does not properly check server identity before sending credential containing cookies
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/27/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2012-5631 affects the ipa 3.0 software implementation and represents a critical flaw in the authentication and credential handling mechanisms. This issue stems from insufficient server identity verification processes that occur prior to credential transmission containing cookies. The vulnerability creates a significant security risk by allowing potential attackers to intercept and manipulate authentication flows without proper server authentication checks.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper certificate validation procedures within the ipa 3.0 framework where the system fails to adequately verify the server's identity before establishing secure communication channels. When credentials containing cookies are transmitted, the system does not perform sufficient validation to confirm that the target server is legitimate and authorized to receive such sensitive information. This weakness enables man-in-the-middle attacks where malicious actors can impersonate legitimate servers and capture authentication tokens, session cookies, or other credential material.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader security compromise scenarios. Attackers exploiting this weakness can gain unauthorized access to protected systems, escalate privileges, and potentially move laterally within networks where ipa 3.0 is deployed. The vulnerability particularly affects environments relying on ipa for identity management and authentication services, making it a prime target for sophisticated adversaries seeking persistent access to enterprise infrastructure. Organizations utilizing this software may experience unauthorized data access, privilege escalation, and potential system compromise without proper detection mechanisms.
Security mitigations for CVE-2012-5631 should prioritize immediate implementation of proper certificate validation procedures and server identity verification before credential transmission. Organizations must ensure that all ipa 3.0 deployments incorporate robust certificate pinning mechanisms and enforce strict server authentication protocols. The fix should include mandatory certificate validation checks that verify server identities against trusted certificate authorities and implement proper hostname verification procedures. Additionally, network monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous credential transmission patterns and potential man-in-the-middle activity. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-295 which addresses improper certificate validation and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 focusing on credentials from password storage. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation, enhanced logging, and regular security assessments to prevent exploitation of this authentication bypass vulnerability.