CVE-2014-8112 in 389 Directory Server
Summary
by MITRE
389 Directory Server 1.3.1.x, 1.3.2.x before 1.3.2.27, and 1.3.3.x before 1.3.3.9 stores "unhashed" passwords even when the nsslapd-unhashed-pw-switch option is set to off, which allows remote authenticated users to obtain sensitive information by reading the Changelog.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/17/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2014-8112 affects the 389 Directory Server software version 1.3.1.x, 1.3.2.x prior to 1.3.2.27, and 1.3.3.x prior to 1.3.3.9. This security flaw represents a critical configuration oversight that undermines the server's password protection mechanisms. The issue specifically relates to the nsslapd-unhashed-pw-switch option which is designed to prevent storage of plaintext passwords within the directory service. When this switch is properly configured to off, the system should refuse to store unhashed passwords in the directory database. However, the vulnerability allows authenticated attackers to bypass this protection mechanism and access stored password information through the changelog functionality.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs through the Changelog component of the 389 Directory Server, which maintains a record of all modifications made to directory entries. When passwords are updated or modified within the directory service, the changelog captures these changes for audit and replication purposes. The flaw enables attackers to access these changelog entries and extract unhashed password values that should have been protected by the nsslapd-unhashed-pw-switch configuration. This represents a fundamental failure in the server's data protection mechanisms, as sensitive authentication credentials are exposed through an otherwise legitimate administrative function. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core password storage functionality and can be exploited by users who already possess legitimate authentication credentials to access additional sensitive information.
The operational impact of CVE-2014-8112 extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of directory services that rely on 389 Directory Server. Attackers who can authenticate to the system can leverage this vulnerability to extract password hashes or plaintext passwords from the changelog, potentially enabling them to compromise additional accounts or systems that share the same authentication credentials. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-200, which describes improper exposure of sensitive information, and represents a failure in access control and data protection mechanisms. The security implications are particularly severe for environments where directory services are used as central authentication points, as compromised passwords can lead to widespread unauthorized access throughout the network infrastructure. Organizations utilizing this software may experience cascading security failures as attackers leverage the stolen credentials to escalate privileges and move laterally within their environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including upgrading to the patched versions of 389 Directory Server 1.3.2.27 or 1.3.3.9 respectively, as these releases contain the necessary fixes to properly enforce the nsslapd-unhashed-pw-switch configuration. Additionally, administrators should conduct thorough reviews of their directory service configurations to ensure that the nsslapd-unhashed-pw-switch option is properly set to off and that no unhashed passwords have been inadvertently stored in the system. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual access patterns to changelog entries, as this may indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of following the principle of least privilege and implementing proper access controls for directory service components, as the ability to read changelog information should be restricted to authorized administrative personnel only. This issue demonstrates the critical need for comprehensive security testing and configuration validation to prevent such configuration-based vulnerabilities from compromising sensitive authentication data.