CVE-2014-4668 in cherokee
Summary
by MITRE
The cherokee_validator_ldap_check function in validator_ldap.c in Cherokee 1.2.103 and earlier, when LDAP is used, does not properly consider unauthenticated-bind semantics, which allows remote attackers to bypass authentication via an empty password.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/24/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-4668 resides within the cherokee web server software version 1.2.103 and earlier, specifically in the LDAP authentication module. This flaw represents a critical authentication bypass issue that stems from improper handling of LDAP unauthenticated bind operations. The vulnerability occurs when the cherokee_validator_ldap_check function processes LDAP authentication requests, failing to adequately validate the bind semantics that occur when an empty password is provided during the authentication process. This design flaw allows malicious actors to exploit the system by submitting empty password credentials, which the software incorrectly interprets as valid authentication attempts.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves the LDAP protocol's behavior when an empty password is provided during the bind operation. In standard LDAP operations, when an empty password is used for authentication, the server typically rejects the bind request as invalid. However, the Cherokee web server implementation does not properly account for this standard behavior and instead accepts empty password attempts as successful authentication. This misconfiguration creates a security gap where attackers can bypass authentication mechanisms by simply providing empty password credentials, effectively granting unauthorized access to protected resources within the web server environment. The flaw directly relates to CWE-287, which addresses improper authentication issues in software systems.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability presents a severe risk to web server security infrastructure as it allows remote attackers to gain unauthorized access to protected web applications and resources. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability without requiring any valid credentials, making it particularly dangerous for systems that rely on LDAP authentication for access control. The vulnerability affects the core authentication functionality of the Cherokee web server, potentially allowing attackers to access sensitive data, modify web content, or perform administrative functions on the affected server. This authentication bypass can lead to complete system compromise when combined with other attack vectors, as unauthorized users gain access to resources that should be protected by proper authentication mechanisms.
The exploitation of this vulnerability aligns with techniques described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the authentication bypass category, specifically targeting credential access and privilege escalation tactics. Organizations using affected versions of Cherokee web server are at significant risk, particularly in environments where LDAP authentication is configured and where sensitive data or administrative functions are protected. The vulnerability demonstrates poor input validation and authentication handling practices that violate fundamental security principles. System administrators should immediately update to patched versions of the Cherokee web server software and review LDAP authentication configurations to ensure proper security controls are in place. Additionally, implementing network monitoring and access controls can help detect and prevent exploitation attempts of this vulnerability. Organizations should also consider conducting security audits of their authentication mechanisms and ensuring that all authentication modules properly validate bind operations according to LDAP protocol specifications to prevent similar issues from occurring in other software components.