CVE-2013-1425 in ldap-git-backup
Summary
by MITRE
ldap-git-backup before 1.0.4 exposes password hashes due to incorrect directory permissions.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-1425 affects the ldap-git-backup tool version 1.0.3 and earlier, presenting a critical security flaw related to improper directory permissions that leads to exposure of password hashes. This tool is designed to backup ldap directory information using git version control, making it an essential component for maintaining directory synchronization and backup processes in enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from the tool's failure to properly secure temporary directories and files during the backup process, creating a path for unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data.
The technical flaw manifests when the ldap-git-backup tool creates temporary directories to store intermediate backup data, including password hash information extracted from the ldap directory. These directories are created with insufficiently restrictive permissions, typically defaulting to world-readable or group-readable modes that allow unauthorized users to access the stored password hashes. The vulnerability specifically occurs during the backup execution phase when the tool generates temporary files containing authentication data before committing this information to the git repository. This misconfiguration creates a window of opportunity for local privilege escalation attacks and lateral movement within compromised environments.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential exposure, as password hashes provide attackers with valuable authentication material that can be used for various attack vectors including password cracking, credential reuse attacks, and privilege escalation within the affected systems. The vulnerability affects organizations that rely on ldap-git-backup for directory synchronization, potentially compromising user accounts and access controls across the entire ldap domain. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability can gain access to multiple user accounts simultaneously, as the password hashes are typically stored in a centralized location and can be processed en masse using automated cracking tools.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-732, which describes inadequate permissions for critical resources, and represents a classic example of improper privilege management in temporary file creation processes. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1003.001 for OS credential dumping and T1566.001 for credential access through exploitation of weak permissions. Organizations using this tool face significant risk as the exposure occurs during legitimate backup operations, making detection more challenging and potentially allowing attackers to remain undetected while harvesting authentication data. The vulnerability is particularly concerning in environments where ldap-git-backup is used with elevated privileges or where the backup process is automated and runs with high-privilege accounts.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-1425 require immediate implementation of proper directory permission controls and access restrictions. Organizations should upgrade to ldap-git-backup version 1.0.4 or later, which includes fixes for the directory permission handling. System administrators must ensure that temporary directories created during backup operations are configured with restrictive permissions, typically limiting access to the specific user account running the backup process. Additional measures include implementing proper file system auditing, monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to backup directories, and establishing regular security reviews of backup processes. The fix typically involves implementing proper umask settings and ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate access controls, preventing the exposure of password hashes through insecure directory permissions.