CVE-2016-5416 in Enterprise Linux Desktop
Summary
by MITRE
389 Directory Server in Red Hat Enterprise Linux Desktop 6 through 7, Red Hat Enterprise Linux HPC Node 6 through 7, Red Hat Enterprise Linux Server 6 through 7, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux Workstation 6 through 7 allows remote attackers to read the default Access Control Instructions.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/08/2022
The CVE-2016-5416 vulnerability affects the 389 Directory Server implementation across multiple red hat enterprise linux versions, presenting a critical access control flaw that enables remote attackers to read default access control instructions. This vulnerability resides within the directory server's configuration management system, specifically targeting how it handles access control rule definitions and their exposure to unauthorized parties.
The technical flaw manifests in the improper handling of access control instructions within the 389 Directory Server framework. When the server processes requests for access control information, it fails to properly restrict access to default access control instructions that should remain protected within the system's internal configuration. This misconfiguration allows remote attackers to retrieve sensitive access control rules that define how the directory server manages permissions and authentication. The vulnerability specifically impacts the server's ability to maintain proper access boundaries for sensitive configuration data, creating a pathway for unauthorized information disclosure.
Operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as access control instructions contain critical system configuration details that could enable attackers to understand the directory server's security posture and potentially identify additional attack vectors. Remote attackers can leverage this information to craft more sophisticated attacks against the directory server infrastructure, potentially gaining unauthorized access to protected resources or escalating privileges within the directory service environment. The vulnerability affects all supported red hat enterprise linux versions, making it particularly concerning for large enterprise deployments where directory services are critical infrastructure components.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patch application for all affected red hat enterprise linux versions, along with comprehensive access control reviews to ensure that default instructions are properly protected. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit access to directory server components and establish monitoring for unauthorized access attempts to configuration data. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-284, which addresses improper access control, and maps to ATT&CK technique T1078 for valid accounts and T1566 for credential access, highlighting the multi-faceted nature of the threat. Regular security assessments of directory server configurations should be conducted to identify and remediate similar access control misconfigurations that could compromise system integrity and confidentiality.