Memory Exhaustion in SSSD via IdP Authentication

Executive Summary

This vulnerability is in SSSD (System Security Services Daemon) where pre-authentication requests retain state in memory without clearing or timing out when Identity Provider authentication is enabled. A local attacker can repeatedly start but not finish authentication flows, causing memory to fill up and leading to a Denial of Service by disrupting SSSD authentication services.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Detection Guidance

Monitor SSSD memory usage and authentication logs for repeated failed pre-authentication attempts. Check for processes consuming excessive memory with commands like 'ps aux | grep sssd' or 'top -p $(pgrep sssd)'. Look for errors in logs such as /var/log/sssd/sssd.log indicating incomplete authentication flows.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Impact Analysis

If exploited, this flaw can cause your system to run out of memory, slowing down or crashing authentication services. This may prevent users from logging in or accessing network resources, disrupting normal operations.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Compliance Impact

This vulnerability causes memory exhaustion leading to a Denial of Service (DoS) in SSSD authentication services. Such disruptions could impact systems handling sensitive data, potentially violating compliance requirements for availability under standards like GDPR and HIPAA.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0

Mitigation Strategies

Disable IdP authentication in SSSD if not required. Monitor memory usage of SSSD processes. Restrict local access to the system to prevent exploitation. Apply patches or updates from Red Hat once available.

Useful 0 Not Useful 0