pam_ldap: Authentication bypass vulnerability

1. Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

Advisory Reference	GLSA 200508-22 / pam_ldap
Release Date	August 31, 2005
Latest Revision	August 31, 2005: 01
Impact	normal
Exploitable	remote

Package	Vulnerable versions	Unaffected versions	Architecture(s)
sys-auth/pam_ldap	< 180	>= 180	All supported architectures

Related bugreports: #103659

Synopsis

pam_ldap contains a vulnerability that may allow a remote attacker to gain system access.

2. Impact Information

Background

pam_ldap is a Pluggable Authentication Module which allows authentication against LDAP directories.

Description

When a pam_ldap client attempts to authenticate against an LDAP server that omits the optional error value from the PasswordPolicyResponseValue, the authentication attempt will always succeed.

Impact

A remote attacker may exploit this vulnerability to bypass the LDAP authentication mechanism, gaining access to the system possibly with elevated privileges.

3. Resolution Information

Workaround

There is no known workaround at this time.

Resolution

All pam_ldap users should upgrade to the latest version:

Code Listing 3.1: Resolution

# emerge --sync
# emerge --ask --oneshot --verbose ">=sys-auth/pam_ldap-180"

4. References

Page updated August 31, 2005

Summary: This is a Gentoo Linux Security Advisory

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