CVE-2017-8028: Improper Authentication in Pivotal Spring-LDAP
Summary
CVE-2017-8028: Improper Authentication in Pivotal Spring-LDAP. Affects org.springframework.ldap:spring-ldap-core versions >= 1.3.0, < 2.3.2. Fixed in 2.3.2. How to fix ↓
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Background
Pivotal Spring-LDAP is a library that provides support for LDAP authentication in Spring applications. It allows developers to connect to LDAP servers and perform authentication operations. This vulnerability affects versions 1.3.0 to 2.3.1 of Pivotal Spring-LDAP. The library uses the LDAP BindAuthenticator with the DefaultTlsDirContextAuthenticationStrategy as the authentication strategy. Some LDAP servers require an explicit operation for the LDAP bind to take effect. However, in certain scenarios, when no additional attributes are bound and the userSearch is set, authentication is allowed with an arbitrary password when the username is correct.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises due to improper authentication in Pivotal Spring-LDAP. When connected to specific LDAP servers, if no additional attributes are bound and the userSearch is set, an attacker can authenticate with an arbitrary password as long as the username is correct. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or unauthorized actions within the application. The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.1, indicating a high severity level.
How To Fix
Latest published version: 4.2.0-RC1 as of 22 Oct 2026
Upgrading to it may include breaking changes; the version below is the minimum fixed release for this vulnerability.
If you need the minimum change
2.3.2
This is the first release that contains the fix.
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is necessary to upgrade to the fixed version of Pivotal Spring-LDAP to address the issue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the vulnerability in Pivotal Spring-LDAP allows for improper authentication when connected to certain LDAP servers. Upgrading to version 2.3.2 or later of the library is recommended to fix the issue. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
See every vulnerability recorded for org.springframework.ldap:spring-ldap-core →
FAQ
Pivotal Spring-LDAP is a library that provides support for LDAP authentication in Spring applications. It allows developers to connect to LDAP servers and perform authentication operations.
Versions 1.3.0 to 2.3.1 of Pivotal Spring-LDAP are affected by this vulnerability.
The vulnerability allows an attacker to authenticate with an arbitrary password when connected to specific LDAP servers. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information or unauthorized actions within the application.
No, there is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is necessary to upgrade to the fixed version of Pivotal Spring-LDAP.
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 8.1, indicating a high severity level.
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