CVE-2013-2219 in 389 Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
The Red Hat Directory Server before 8.2.11-13 and 389 Directory Server do not properly restrict access to entity attributes, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information via a search query for the attribute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/04/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-2219 affects Red Hat Directory Server versions prior to 8.2.11-13 and the 389 Directory Server, representing a significant access control weakness in directory services infrastructure. This issue stems from insufficient attribute access restrictions within the directory server implementation, creating a pathway for malicious actors to bypass intended security controls. The flaw specifically impacts the server's ability to properly enforce access controls on directory entity attributes, allowing unauthorized information disclosure through crafted search operations. Directory servers serve as critical components in enterprise environments, storing sensitive user credentials, organizational information, and access control data that forms the backbone of authentication and authorization systems.
The technical implementation flaw manifests in the directory server's attribute filtering mechanism, where authentication credentials are accepted but access controls are inadequately enforced during search operations. When authenticated users submit search queries, the system fails to properly validate whether the requesting entity has appropriate permissions to access specific attributes within the targeted directory entries. This vulnerability falls under the category of improper access control as defined by CWE-284, specifically relating to insufficient access control mechanisms that allow unauthorized access to protected resources. The weakness enables attackers to perform reconnaissance by querying for sensitive attributes such as user passwords, personal identification numbers, or other privileged information that should be restricted to authorized administrative users only.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can enable more sophisticated attack vectors within enterprise networks. Remote authenticated users can leverage this weakness to gather intelligence about directory structure, user accounts, and organizational hierarchies, potentially facilitating subsequent attacks such as credential harvesting, privilege escalation, or targeted social engineering campaigns. The vulnerability particularly affects environments where directory servers are used for centralized authentication and authorization services, including Active Directory integration scenarios, LDAP-based applications, and identity management systems. Organizations relying on these directory services for security enforcement may experience cascading effects where compromised directory information undermines broader security controls and trust relationships.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2013-2219 should prioritize immediate patch deployment for affected Red Hat Directory Server and 389 Directory Server versions, with particular attention to upgrading to versions 8.2.11-13 or later. System administrators should conduct comprehensive audits of existing directory access controls and implement proper attribute-level access control policies to ensure that sensitive information is appropriately restricted. The implementation of role-based access control mechanisms and regular security assessments of directory server configurations can help prevent similar vulnerabilities from emerging. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and monitoring solutions to detect anomalous search patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. This vulnerability highlights the importance of maintaining up-to-date directory services and following security best practices such as those outlined in the NIST Special Publication 800-125 for directory service security, as well as the MITRE ATT&CK framework's emphasis on credential access and privilege escalation techniques that can be enabled through directory service weaknesses.