CVE-2020-12243 : Security Advisory and Response

In filter.c in slapd in OpenLDAP before 2.4.50, LDAP search filters with nested boolean expressions can result in denial of service (daemon crash).

Understanding CVE-2020-12243

This CVE involves a vulnerability in OpenLDAP that can lead to a denial of service due to certain LDAP search filters.

What is CVE-2020-12243?

The vulnerability in filter.c in slapd in OpenLDAP before version 2.4.50 allows LDAP search filters with nested boolean expressions to cause a denial of service by crashing the daemon.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12243

The impact of this vulnerability is the potential for a denial of service, leading to system instability or unavailability.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12243

This section provides more technical insights into the CVE.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in OpenLDAP before version 2.4.50 allows LDAP search filters with nested boolean expressions to crash the daemon, resulting in a denial of service.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Versions affected: n/a

Exploitation Mechanism

The exploitation of this vulnerability involves crafting LDAP search filters with nested boolean expressions to trigger the crash and subsequent denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-12243, consider the following mitigation strategies.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenLDAP to version 2.4.50 or newer to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor for any unusual LDAP search filter activity that could indicate exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch OpenLDAP to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
Implement network segmentation to limit the impact of potential denial of service attacks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by OpenLDAP to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.