CVE-2017-2591 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-2591 pertains to a vulnerability in the "attribute uniqueness" plugin of 389 Directory Server versions prior to 1.3.6. This flaw could be exploited by authenticated or potentially unauthenticated attackers to trigger a heap memory read out-of-bounds, potentially leading to a crash of the LDAP service.

Understanding CVE-2017-2591

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2017-2591 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2017-2591?

CVE-2017-2591 is a vulnerability found in the 389 Directory Server's "attribute uniqueness" plugin, affecting versions before 1.3.6. The issue arises from an improperly NULL terminated array in the uniqueness_entry_to_config() function.

The Impact of CVE-2017-2591

The vulnerability in CVE-2017-2591 could allow attackers to exploit the flaw and potentially crash the LDAP service by triggering a heap memory read out-of-bounds.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-2591

Explore the technical aspects and implications of CVE-2017-2591.

Vulnerability Description

In versions prior to 1.3.6, the vulnerability in the "attribute uniqueness" plugin of 389 Directory Server stems from an incorrectly terminated array in the uniqueness_entry_to_config() function.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: 389-ds-base
Vendor: Unspecified
Vulnerable Version: 389-ds-base 1.3.6

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by authenticated or potentially unauthenticated attackers to trigger a heap memory read out-of-bounds, potentially causing the LDAP service to crash.

Mitigation and Prevention

Learn about the steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2017-2591 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update to version 1.3.6 or later of 389 Directory Server to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor vendor sources for patches and security advisories.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch software to address known vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and authentication mechanisms to limit unauthorized access.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability in 389 Directory Server.