CVE-2024-10127 in Server
Summary
by MITRE • 11/20/2024
Authentication bypass condition in LDAP authentication in M-Files server versions before 24.11 supported usage of OpenLDAP configurations that allowed user authentication without a password when the LDAP server itself had the vulnerable configuration.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/29/2025
This vulnerability represents a critical authentication bypass flaw in M-Files server versions prior to 24.11 that specifically affects LDAP authentication mechanisms. The issue stems from improper validation of LDAP server configurations where certain OpenLDAP setups can inadvertently permit user authentication without requiring password verification. This condition creates a fundamental weakness in the authentication pipeline where the system fails to properly enforce credential validation, allowing unauthorized access to systems protected by M-Files server authentication. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it operates at the core authentication layer, potentially enabling attackers to gain access to sensitive documents and data managed by M-Files server environments. The flaw is directly related to how the M-Files server processes LDAP bind operations and validates user credentials against the configured directory service.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves a specific interaction pattern between M-Files server and OpenLDAP configurations where certain server-side LDAP settings can cause the authentication module to accept valid user names without proper password verification. This typically occurs when the LDAP server is configured to allow anonymous binds or when specific LDAP search filters are improperly handled by the M-Files authentication module. The authentication bypass happens because the system does not properly validate that a valid password was provided during the authentication process, instead accepting any valid username from the directory service. This condition can be exploited through various means including direct API calls or by crafting specific authentication requests that leverage the vulnerable LDAP configuration. The vulnerability is classified under CWE-287 which deals with improper authentication scenarios, specifically focusing on authentication bypass conditions that occur due to improper validation of authentication credentials.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access to encompass potential data breaches and compromise of sensitive enterprise information. Organizations using M-Files server versions before 24.11 with vulnerable OpenLDAP configurations face significant risk of unauthorized personnel gaining access to confidential documents, business records, and other protected data. The vulnerability can be exploited by attackers who have knowledge of valid usernames within the LDAP directory, potentially enabling them to access systems without needing to discover or guess passwords. This creates a particularly dangerous scenario in enterprise environments where M-Files servers are used to manage sensitive corporate data, legal documents, and intellectual property. The impact is amplified because the vulnerability affects the foundational authentication mechanisms that protect access to document management systems, potentially allowing attackers to escalate privileges or access systems they would normally be restricted from reaching.
Mitigation strategies for this vulnerability require immediate action to upgrade M-Files server installations to version 24.11 or later where the authentication bypass condition has been addressed. Organizations should also conduct comprehensive reviews of their LDAP server configurations to ensure that anonymous bind operations are disabled and that proper authentication mechanisms are enforced. Network segmentation and access controls should be implemented to limit exposure of vulnerable M-Files servers to untrusted networks. Security teams should monitor authentication logs for unusual patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts, and implement additional authentication layers such as multi-factor authentication where possible. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1078 which covers valid accounts and privilege escalation through legitimate authentication mechanisms, making it particularly dangerous in enterprise environments where proper access controls are critical. Regular security assessments of directory service configurations and authentication mechanisms should be conducted to identify and remediate similar vulnerabilities that could be exploited to compromise system integrity and data protection. Organizations should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and prevent similar vulnerabilities from being exploited in the future.