CVE-2018-10871 in 389-ds-base
Summary
by MITRE
389-ds-base before versions 1.3.8.5, 1.4.0.12 is vulnerable to a Cleartext Storage of Sensitive Information. By default, when the Replica and/or retroChangeLog plugins are enabled, 389-ds-base stores passwords in plaintext format in their respective changelog files. An attacker with sufficiently high privileges, such as root or Directory Manager, can query these files in order to retrieve plaintext passwords.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/18/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-10871 affects the 389 Directory Server base software, specifically versions prior to 1.3.8.5 and 1.4.0.12. This represents a critical security flaw categorized under CWE-312, which deals with the cleartext storage of sensitive information. The issue manifests when the Replica and/or retroChangeLog plugins are enabled within the directory server configuration, creating a persistent security risk that can be exploited by malicious actors with appropriate access privileges.
The technical flaw resides in how the 389-ds-base software handles password storage within its changelog files when specific plugins are active. These changelog files, which maintain historical records of directory changes, contain password information in unencrypted plaintext format rather than implementing proper cryptographic protection mechanisms. This design decision fundamentally undermines the security of authentication credentials stored within the directory service, as the plaintext passwords become directly accessible through file system queries.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and multifaceted, particularly when considering the ATT&CK framework's concept of credential access. An attacker who gains sufficient privileges such as root access or Directory Manager level permissions can directly access these changelog files and extract plaintext passwords without requiring additional cracking or decryption efforts. This provides immediate access to administrative accounts and user credentials, enabling lateral movement and persistent access within the network environment. The vulnerability essentially transforms the directory server's change tracking functionality into a credential leak mechanism.
The security implications extend beyond immediate credential compromise, as this vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.001, which covers the acquisition of credentials through unencrypted storage. Organizations relying on 389-ds-base for directory services face significant risk of unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data, potentially leading to complete system compromise. The vulnerability affects systems where the retroChangeLog plugin is enabled, making it particularly dangerous in environments where change tracking is essential for compliance or audit purposes, as the very mechanism designed to monitor changes becomes a vector for credential exposure.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-10871 primarily focus on upgrading to patched versions of 389-ds-base, specifically versions 1.3.8.5 or 1.4.0.12, which address the plaintext storage issue. Additionally, organizations should consider disabling the retroChangeLog plugin when it is not strictly necessary, implementing proper access controls to limit who can query changelog files, and ensuring that file system permissions are properly configured to restrict access to these sensitive files. Network segmentation and monitoring for unauthorized file access attempts should also be implemented as additional protective measures. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical importance of proper cryptographic practices in security software design, particularly when handling sensitive authentication information.