CVE-2018-10871 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

CVE-2018-10871 was published on July 18, 2018, and affects 389-ds-base versions 1.3.8.5 and 1.4.0.12. This vulnerability allows for the storage of sensitive information in cleartext, posing a security risk to affected systems.

Understanding CVE-2018-10871

CVE-2018-10871 is a vulnerability in 389-ds-base that enables the storage of passwords in plain text within changelog files, potentially exposing sensitive information to unauthorized access.

What is CVE-2018-10871?

Versions of 389-ds-base prior to 1.3.8.5 and 1.4.0.12 have a security flaw that allows passwords to be stored in plaintext within changelog files. This can be exploited by individuals with elevated privileges to access and retrieve sensitive information.

The Impact of CVE-2018-10871

The vulnerability in 389-ds-base can lead to the exposure of passwords in cleartext, compromising the confidentiality of sensitive information stored in affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-10871

CVE-2018-10871 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The Replica and retroChangeLog plugins in 389-ds-base store passwords in plaintext within their corresponding changelog files, creating a security risk for sensitive information.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: 389-ds-base
Versions: 1.3.8.5, 1.4.0.12
Vendor: [UNKNOWN]

Exploitation Mechanism

Attack Complexity: Low
Attack Vector: Network
Privileges Required: High
User Interaction: None
Scope: Unchanged
CVSS Base Score: 3.8 (Low)
CWE ID: CWE-312

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-10871, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade 389-ds-base to version 1.3.8.5 or 1.4.0.12
Monitor access to changelog files containing sensitive information

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement strong password policies
Regularly review and update security configurations

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches provided by the vendor
Stay informed about security advisories and updates