CVE-2015-8267
📋 TL;DR
This vulnerability in Dovestones AD Self Password Reset allows remote attackers to reset any user's password without authorization by sending a crafted request with a valid username. It affects organizations using this software for Active Directory password self-service before version 3.0.4.0.
💻 Affected Systems
- Dovestones AD Self Password Reset
📦 What is this software?
⚠️ Risk & Real-World Impact
Worst Case
Complete Active Directory compromise where attackers reset domain admin passwords, gain persistent access, and potentially deploy ransomware or exfiltrate sensitive data.
Likely Case
Attackers reset passwords for regular user accounts to gain unauthorized access to systems, applications, and data, leading to data theft or lateral movement.
If Mitigated
Limited impact with proper network segmentation, monitoring, and quick detection of unauthorized password reset attempts.
🎯 Exploit Status
The vulnerability description suggests simple crafted requests can trigger the flaw. No public exploit code was found in references, but the low complexity makes weaponization likely.
🛠️ Fix & Mitigation
✅ Official Fix
Patch Version: 3.0.4.0
Vendor Advisory: http://www.dovestones.com/security-vulnerability-in-ad-self-password-reset-v3-0-3-0/
Restart Required: Yes
Instructions:
1. Download version 3.0.4.0 or later from Dovestones. 2. Backup current installation. 3. Run the installer to upgrade. 4. Restart the application/service. 5. Verify functionality.
🔧 Temporary Workarounds
Network Isolation
allRestrict network access to the AD Self Password Reset service to only trusted internal networks.
Use firewall rules to block external access to the service port (typically HTTP/HTTPS).
Disable Service
windowsTemporarily disable the password reset functionality until patched.
Stop the service: net stop "Dovestones AD Self Password Reset"
Disable the service: sc config "Dovestones AD Self Password Reset" start= disabled
🧯 If You Can't Patch
- Implement strict network access controls to limit who can reach the password reset service.
- Enable detailed logging and monitoring for password reset attempts and alert on anomalies.
🔍 How to Verify
Check if Vulnerable:
Check the installed version of Dovestones AD Self Password Reset. If version is below 3.0.4.0, it is vulnerable.Check Version:
Check the application's About section or installed programs list in Windows for version information.Verify Fix Applied:
Confirm the software version is 3.0.4.0 or higher and test password reset functionality works correctly for authorized users only.📡 Detection & Monitoring
Log Indicators:
- Unusual password reset requests, especially for multiple users or admin accounts
- Failed authentication attempts followed by password resets from same IP
Network Indicators:
- HTTP requests to the password reset endpoint with crafted parameters
- Traffic to the service from unexpected IP ranges
SIEM Query:
source="ADPasswordReset" AND (event="PasswordReset" OR event="ChangePassword") | stats count by user, src_ip | where count > threshold🔗 References
- http://www.dovestones.com/security-vulnerability-in-ad-self-password-reset-v3-0-3-0/
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/79642
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/757840
- http://www.dovestones.com/security-vulnerability-in-ad-self-password-reset-v3-0-3-0/
- http://www.securityfocus.com/bid/79642
- https://www.kb.cert.org/vuls/id/757840
