CVE-2014-7828 in FreeIPA
Summary
by MITRE
FreeIPA 4.0.x before 4.0.5 and 4.1.x before 4.1.1, when 2FA is enabled, allows remote attackers to bypass the password requirement of the two-factor authentication leveraging an enabled OTP token, which triggers an anonymous bind.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/12/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-7828 represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in the FreeIPA identity management system that affects versions prior to 4.0.5 and 4.1.1. This issue specifically targets environments where two-factor authentication has been enabled, creating a significant security gap that adversaries can exploit to circumvent the intended multi-factor protection mechanisms. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of authentication states when OTP (One-Time Password) tokens are active but the primary password requirement is bypassed during the authentication process.
The technical flaw manifests through an anonymous bind operation that occurs when an attacker leverages an enabled OTP token without providing the required password credential. This behavior violates the fundamental principles of two-factor authentication where both knowledge factors (password) and possession factors (OTP token) should be required for successful authentication. The system's failure to properly validate that both authentication factors are presented before establishing a successful bind operation creates an exploitable condition that allows unauthorized access to the identity management infrastructure. This issue is particularly dangerous because it undermines the entire purpose of implementing two-factor authentication controls.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability exposes organizations to significant risk as attackers can gain unauthorized access to identity management systems without proper authentication credentials. The impact extends beyond simple account compromise to potentially enable lateral movement within the network, as FreeIPA systems often serve as central identity providers for enterprise environments. Security professionals should note that this vulnerability affects the core authentication mechanisms of the system, making it particularly dangerous for organizations that rely on FreeIPA for managing user identities and access controls. The vulnerability can be exploited remotely, eliminating the need for physical access or insider knowledge of the system's internal workings.
Organizations should immediately implement mitigations including upgrading to FreeIPA versions 4.0.5 or 4.1.1, which contain the necessary patches to address this authentication bypass vulnerability. Additional defensive measures include implementing network segmentation to limit access to FreeIPA servers, monitoring authentication logs for unusual bind operations, and reviewing OTP token configurations to ensure proper enforcement of multi-factor requirements. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-287 which addresses improper authentication issues and relates to ATT&CK technique T1078.004 which covers valid accounts with weak passwords, though this particular vulnerability operates through a different mechanism. Security teams should also consider implementing additional authentication monitoring and alerting for anonymous bind operations, as these may indicate exploitation attempts.