ProFTPD Auth API security bypass

proftpd-authapi-security-bypass (33733) The risk level is classified as MediumMedium Risk

Description:

ProFTPD could allow a remote attacker to bypass security restrictions, caused by a vulnerability in the Auth API authentication modules. ProFTPD allows multiple authentication modules to run simultaneously. If the authentication modules are set with inconsistent policies, a remote attacker could exploit this vulnerability to bypass security restrictions and possibly gain unauthorized access to the system.

Platforms Affected:

  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2007.1 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux 2008.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 3.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0 X86_64
  • MandrakeSoft, Mandrake Linux Corporate Server 4.0
  • ProFTPD, ProFTPD 1.2.10

Remedy:

Refer to Bugzilla Bug 2922 for patch information. See References.

For Mandriva Linux:
Refer to MDKSA-2007:130 for patch, upgrade, or suggested workaround information. See References.

For other distributions:
Contact your vendor for upgrade or patch information.

Consequences:

Bypass Security

References:

  • Bugzilla Bug 2922, Auth API allows one auth module to authenticate user data provided by a different auth module at http://bugs.proftpd.org/show_bug.cgi?id=2922.
  • Debian Bug report logs - #419255, proftpd allows logins with almost no password if configured with SQLAuthTypes Plaintext at http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=419255.
  • ProFTPD Web site, The ProFTPD Project: Home at http://www.proftpd.org/.
  • BID-23546: ProFTPD AUTH Multiple Authentication Module Security Bypass Vulnerability
  • CVE-2007-2165: The Auth API in ProFTPD before 20070417, when multiple simultaneous authentication modules are configured, does not require that the module that checks authentication is the same as the module that retrieves authentication data, which might allow remote attackers to bypass authentication, as demonstrated by use of SQLAuthTypes Plaintext in mod_sql, with data retrieved from /etc/passwd.
  • FrSIRT/ADV-2007-1444: ProFTPD Auth API Multiple Authentication Module Data Handling Security Bypass Issue
  • MDKSA-2007:130: Updated proftpd packages fix authentication bypass vulnerability
  • SA24867: ProFTPD Auth API Multiple Authentication Modules Security Issue
  • SECTRACK ID: 1017931: ProFTPD Auth API State Error May Let Remote Users Access the System in Certain Cases

Reported:

Apr 18, 2007

The information within this database may change without notice. Use of this information constitutes acceptance for use in an AS IS condition. There are NO warranties, implied or otherwise, with regard to this information or its use. Any use of this information is at the user's risk. In no event shall the author/distributor (Internet Security Systems X-Force) be held liable for any damages whatsoever arising out of or in connection with the use or spread of this information.

Copyright (c) 1994-2008 Internet Security Systems, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

For corrections or additions please email xforce@iss.net

Return to the main page