Authenticated LDAP service crash via malformed sync cookie
Published Oct 14, 2022 · Updated Nov 3, 2025
NULL pointer dereference in 389 Directory Server 2.0.0 through 2.4.1 allows remote authenticated users to crash the LDAP service. The sync_repl cookie parser accepts a synchronization cookie lacking the required '#' separator as an empty Sync_Cookie, which later code dereferences. The Content Synchronization plugin must be enabled and valid LDAP credentials are required; exploitation terminates the server process and interrupts directory service.
Summary
What happened
NULL pointer dereference in 389 Directory Server 2.0.0 through 2.4.1 allows remote authenticated users to crash the LDAP service. The sync_repl cookie parser accepts a synchronization cookie lacking the required '#' separator as an empty Sync_Cookie, which later code dereferences. The Content Synchronization plugin must be enabled and valid LDAP credentials are required; exploitation terminates the server process and interrupts directory service.
The record
- CVE
- CVE-2022-2850
- Published
- Oct 14, 2022
- Updated
- Nov 3, 2025
- Vendor
- 389 Directory Server
- Product
- 389 Directory Server
- Classifications
- CWE-476, T1499.004
- Attack vector
- network
- Privileges
- authenticated
Timeline
How it unfolded
- Oct 14, 2022CVE publishedPublication date reported by the CVE source.
- Nov 3, 2025Record updatedLatest update available in the CVE record.
Exploitability
Present is not the same as exploitable
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Is a vulnerable build present?
Compare these published version ranges with your installed build and any vendor patches.
- Affected versionversion=389-ds-base-2.0.x+
What conditions does exploitation require?
What is affected?
Published CVSS scores
CVSS describes severity. EPSS estimates exploitation probability.
Attacks
What attackers are doing with it
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Weakness, pattern, technique
Public exploit references
- Upstream invalid-cookie regression testproof of concept · validated
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Technologies
Your stack
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Your stack
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