CVE-2015-0233 in 389 Administration Server
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple insecure Temporary File vulnerabilities in 389 Administration Server before 1.1.38.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/02/2024
The CVE-2015-0233 vulnerability represents a critical security flaw affecting the 389 Administration Server software, specifically targeting insecure temporary file handling mechanisms. This vulnerability exists in versions prior to 1.1.38 and manifests as multiple instances where the software creates temporary files without proper security measures, creating exploitable conditions for malicious actors. The 389 Administration Server serves as a critical component for managing directory services and identity management systems, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for enterprise environments that rely on secure administrative operations.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of temporary file creation processes within the administration server software. When the system generates temporary files during administrative operations, it fails to establish appropriate access controls, file permissions, or secure temporary directory locations. This insecure approach allows local attackers to potentially create symbolic links or manipulate temporary file locations, leading to privilege escalation or unauthorized data access. The flaw directly relates to CWE-377, which addresses insecure temporary file creation practices, and CWE-378, covering the creation of temporary files with insecure permissions. The vulnerability enables attackers to exploit the predictable naming conventions and insufficient validation of temporary file paths, creating opportunities for race condition attacks and file system manipulation.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability compromises the security posture of 389 Administration Server installations, potentially allowing attackers to gain elevated privileges or access sensitive administrative functions. The insecure temporary file handling creates a persistent attack surface that can be leveraged for privilege escalation attacks, where malicious users might manipulate temporary files to execute code with higher privileges than initially intended. The attack vector typically involves exploiting the predictable nature of temporary file creation to substitute legitimate files with malicious counterparts, potentially leading to complete system compromise. This vulnerability affects organizations using directory services, identity management systems, and enterprise administrative tools that depend on 389 Administration Server for their operations.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigation strategies including upgrading to version 1.1.38 or later, which contains the necessary security patches to address the insecure temporary file handling. System administrators should also review and harden temporary file directory permissions, ensuring that temporary files are created with appropriate access controls and that the system employs secure temporary file creation practices. The remediation process should include validating that all temporary file operations follow secure coding practices and that proper file system permissions are maintained throughout the administrative processes. Additionally, implementing monitoring solutions to detect anomalous temporary file creation patterns can help identify potential exploitation attempts. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1055, which covers privilege escalation through insecure temporary file handling, making it essential for security teams to monitor and address these conditions proactively.