As we all know security comes in layers. The only way this exploit will
work is if someone is standing at the server's console. In this way
all servers are subject to vulnerability and I have discovered this
method of hacking servers. Ok, not really. But I can tell you that if I
have access to the server console then I can get access to the box.
This vulnerability is not new, I had to legitimately hack the password
for a couple of my NetWare servers and I did it 3-4 years ago using
this same hack. Preferrably I would rather Novell NOT fix this. It's
a great "just in case" tool.
I think this is a waste of bandwidth.
Brad B.
On Sun, 12 Dec 2004, Adam Gray wrote:
Novacoast Security Advisory
Novell Netware 5/5.1/6.0/6.5 Vulnerability
Synopsis:
Novacoast has discovered a vulnerability in the Novell NetWare Operating
System screen saver software. The vulnerability allows a local attacker
to bypass authentication and access the system console.
Description:
The Novell Operating System uses the screen saver nlm with lock enabled
to protect access to the console. When the screen saver is locked only a
user in the e-directory tree with supervisor rights to the server object
has the ability to unlock it. It is possible to bypass this
authentication scheme by entering the debugger within NetWare while the
screensaver is running, kill the screensaver process, and resume the
operating system without the screen saver or the access control still
running.
Affected Version:
Novell NetWare 5.1
Novell Netware 6
Novell NetWare 6.5
Exploit:
with the screensaver nlm running and in enable lock mode press alt shift
shift esc. Find the screen saver process in memory. Kill it using the
debugger. If you are not sure how to use the NetWare debugger then just
kill the server with the q key and restart it without the autoexec.ncf
running (server -na) edit the autoexec.ncf to keep the screensaver from
running in the future and restart the server normally. The screen saver
will not start again.
Recommended Solution:
Install the Bordermanager ICSA Compliance kit
They put the screensaver fix into that patch
Status:
This bug has been submitted to, acknowledged by, and a fix has been
created and included with the Bordermanager ICSA Compliance toolkit.
Additional information can be found at the following location:
http://support.novell.com/cgi-bin/search/searchtid.cgi?/2969741.htm
Disclaimer:
Novacoast accepts no liability or responsibility for the
content of this report, or for the consequences of any
actions taken on the basis of the information provided
within. Dissemination of this information is granted
provided it is presented in its entirety. Modifications
may not be made without the explicit permission of
Novacoast.
Adam Gray
CTO
Novacoast, Inc.
agray_at_novacoast.com
http://www.novacoast.com
