CVE-2017-7551 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2017-7551 pertains to a vulnerability in 389-ds-base versions prior to 1.3.5.19 and 1.3.6.7 that allows for password brute-force attacks due to inconsistent return codes during password attempts.

Understanding CVE-2017-7551

This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in the 389 Directory Server software.

What is CVE-2017-7551?

The vulnerability in CVE-2017-7551 enables attackers to conduct password brute-force attacks on systems running affected versions of 389-ds-base.

The Impact of CVE-2017-7551

The vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information and potential system compromise.

Technical Details of CVE-2017-7551

CVE-2017-7551 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the inconsistent return codes generated during password attempts while an account lockout is in effect.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: 389-ds-base
Vendor: 389 Directory Server
Versions Affected: Before 1.3.5.19 and 1.3.6.7

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers exploit the vulnerability by leveraging the varying return codes to iteratively guess passwords until successful access is achieved.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2017-7551, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade 389-ds-base to version 1.3.5.19 or 1.3.6.7 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Implement account lockout policies to limit the impact of brute-force attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and analyze authentication logs for unusual patterns.
Educate users on creating strong passwords and enforcing password complexity requirements.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and promptly apply patches released by the vendor.