CVE-2020-5246 in GPS Tracking System
Summary
by MITRE
Traccar GPS Tracking System before version 4.9 has a LDAP injection vulnerability. It occurs when user input is being used in LDAP search filter. By providing specially crafted input, an attacker can modify the logic of the LDAP query and get admin privileges. The issue only impacts instances with LDAP configuration and where users can craft their own names. This has been patched in version 4.9.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/30/2020
The CVE-2020-5246 vulnerability affects the Traccar GPS Tracking System, a widely used open-source fleet management platform that relies on LDAP authentication for user management. This particular flaw represents a critical authentication bypass vulnerability that allows attackers to escalate privileges through malicious input manipulation within the LDAP search functionality. The vulnerability specifically targets systems where LDAP integration is configured and where user registration allows for custom username creation, creating an environment where malicious actors can exploit the insecure input handling mechanisms.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper input sanitization within the LDAP search filter construction process. When users provide input during the authentication or registration process, the system directly incorporates this user-supplied data into the LDAP query without adequate validation or escaping mechanisms. This creates a classic LDAP injection scenario where an attacker can manipulate the search filter syntax to alter the intended query logic. The vulnerability is categorized under CWE-91 - Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an LDAP Query ('LDAP Injection') which is a well-documented weakness in authentication systems that directly impacts access control mechanisms.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows unauthenticated attackers to gain administrative privileges within the Traccar system. Once successfully exploited, the attacker can access all system functionalities including user management, device configuration, location tracking data, and system administration capabilities. This represents a complete compromise of the authentication layer and can lead to data exfiltration, system manipulation, and unauthorized tracking of vehicles or assets. The vulnerability specifically affects systems where users can create custom usernames, making it particularly dangerous in multi-tenant environments or public-facing installations where user registration is enabled.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2020-5246 involve immediate patching to version 4.9 or later, which includes proper input validation and sanitization of LDAP search parameters. Organizations should implement strict input validation mechanisms that escape special LDAP characters and employ parameterized queries where possible. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1078 - Valid Accounts and T1566 - Phishing, as it enables attackers to leverage legitimate authentication mechanisms to gain elevated privileges. Additional security measures include implementing network segmentation to limit LDAP access, monitoring authentication logs for suspicious activities, and conducting regular security assessments of authentication components. Organizations should also consider implementing multi-factor authentication as an additional layer of protection and ensure that LDAP configurations follow security best practices including minimal privilege access and proper input sanitization protocols.