CVE-2014-0074 in Shiro
Summary
by MITRE
Apache Shiro 1.x before 1.2.3, when using an LDAP server with unauthenticated bind enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an empty (1) username or (2) password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/29/2022
Apache Shiro vulnerability CVE-2014-0074 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in versions 1.x prior to 1.2.3 that specifically affects applications leveraging LDAP authentication mechanisms. This vulnerability arises from insufficient input validation during the authentication process when Shiro interacts with LDAP servers that permit unauthenticated bind operations. The flaw allows remote attackers to circumvent the authentication system by submitting empty username or password credentials, effectively granting unauthorized access to protected resources. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078.004 for valid accounts, as it enables attackers to exploit legitimate authentication pathways through malformed credential submissions. The technical implementation flaw occurs because Shiro does not properly validate or sanitize authentication parameters before passing them to the LDAP server, creating a condition where empty credentials are accepted as valid authentication tokens.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can enable attackers to escalate privileges and gain administrative control over systems protected by Apache Shiro. When an LDAP server is configured to allow unauthenticated bind operations, the vulnerability becomes particularly dangerous because the authentication system accepts empty credentials without proper validation, essentially creating a backdoor that bypasses all normal authentication checks. Organizations using Shiro for application security may find their systems compromised without detection, as the attack operates at the authentication layer and does not trigger typical intrusion detection mechanisms. This vulnerability particularly affects enterprise applications that rely on LDAP integration for user management and authentication, making it a significant concern for organizations with distributed systems and centralized user directories. The attack vector is remote and requires no prior authentication, making it easily exploitable by threat actors with network access to the affected systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2014-0074 focus on immediate software updates and configuration hardening. Organizations must upgrade to Apache Shiro version 1.2.3 or later, which includes proper input validation and credential sanitization. Additionally, security teams should review LDAP server configurations to disable unauthenticated bind operations and implement proper authentication requirements for all LDAP interactions. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of affected systems, while monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual authentication patterns. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and authentication flow design, aligning with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-53 and ISO 27001 frameworks. Organizations should also consider implementing additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication and regular security assessments to prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future. The remediation process requires careful testing to ensure that the updated software maintains application functionality while eliminating the authentication bypass capability that attackers could exploit.