CVE-2022-31253 in openldap2
Summary
by MITRE • 11/09/2022
A Untrusted Search Path vulnerability in openldap2 of openSUSE Factory allows local attackers with control of the ldap user or group to change ownership of arbitrary directory entries to this user/group, leading to escalation to root. This issue affects: openSUSE Factory openldap2 versions prior to 2.6.3-404.1.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/11/2022
The vulnerability CVE-2022-31253 represents a critical untrusted search path issue within the openldap2 package of openSUSE Factory, specifically impacting versions prior to 2.6.3-404.1. This flaw resides in the directory service implementation that governs how LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) systems handle user and group permissions within enterprise environments. The vulnerability stems from improper validation of search paths used by the LDAP service during authentication and authorization processes, creating a pathway for local privilege escalation through manipulation of directory entry ownership.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability occurs when a local attacker who already controls an ldap user or group account can manipulate the search path mechanisms that LDAP uses to locate and verify directory entries. This untrusted search path allows the attacker to redirect the system's directory traversal to arbitrary locations, enabling them to change ownership of directory entries to their controlled ldap user or group. The flaw specifically affects the way the openldap2 service processes search operations and resolves directory paths, creating a condition where maliciously crafted directory entries can be used to gain elevated privileges. This represents a classic privilege escalation vector where local access can be leveraged to achieve root-level system control.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple privilege escalation to encompass potential system compromise and data integrity breaches. When successfully exploited, attackers can manipulate directory services to gain root access, potentially allowing them to modify system configurations, install malicious software, or exfiltrate sensitive data. The vulnerability affects the fundamental security model of LDAP directory services, where trusted directory entries become compromised when the search path mechanism is manipulated. This issue is particularly concerning in enterprise environments where LDAP is commonly used for centralized authentication and authorization, as it can undermine the entire security infrastructure built around these services.
Organizations should prioritize immediate remediation by updating to openldap2 version 2.6.3-404.1 or later, which addresses this untrusted search path vulnerability through proper path validation and sanitization mechanisms. System administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any existing compromised ldap user accounts and implement monitoring for unauthorized directory entry modifications. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-427 Uncontrolled Search Path Element, which specifically addresses the risk of attackers manipulating search paths to gain unauthorized access. From an attacker perspective, this vulnerability maps to ATT&CK technique T1068 Privilege Escalation and T1548.001 Account Manipulation, as it enables local users to escalate privileges through directory service manipulation. Additionally, this issue demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and path resolution in security-critical applications, as highlighted in various security frameworks that emphasize the need for secure coding practices to prevent such vulnerabilities in directory service implementations.