Platform
python
Component
pykerberos
Fixed in
1.2.6
1.1.6
CVE-2015-3206 is a denial-of-service (DoS) vulnerability affecting versions of pykerberos up to 1.1.5. This flaw arises from the checkPassword function's failure to authenticate the Key Distribution Center (KDC) during communication, allowing attackers to induce a denial of service or potentially execute a man-in-the-middle attack. The vulnerability was published in 2017 and a fix is available in version 1.1.6.
The primary impact of CVE-2015-3206 is a denial of service. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability to disrupt Kerberos authentication services, preventing legitimate users from accessing network resources. The lack of KDC authentication opens the door to man-in-the-middle attacks, where an attacker can intercept and potentially modify Kerberos traffic. This could lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or systems. While the description mentions 'unspecified impact,' the potential for MITM attacks suggests a broader blast radius than a simple service outage.
CVE-2015-3206 is not currently listed on KEV or EPSS. The CVSS score of 8.1 (HIGH) indicates a significant potential for exploitation. While no public exploits are readily available, the vulnerability's nature—a lack of authentication—makes it potentially attractive to attackers seeking to disrupt services. The vulnerability was published in 2017, suggesting it may have been exploited in the past without widespread public disclosure.
Exploit Status
EPSS
0.61% (70% percentile)
CVSS Vector
The recommended mitigation is to upgrade pykerberos to version 1.1.6 or later, which addresses the authentication flaw. If upgrading is not immediately feasible, implement network segmentation to isolate Kerberos services and limit the potential impact of a DoS attack. Monitor Kerberos logs for unusual activity, such as repeated authentication failures or unexpected KDC responses. Consider implementing stricter Kerberos policies to enforce mutual authentication and reduce the attack surface. After upgrading, confirm functionality by attempting a standard Kerberos authentication and verifying successful access to protected resources.
No official patch available. Check for workarounds or monitor for updates.
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CVE-2015-3206 is a denial-of-service vulnerability in pykerberos versions up to 1.1.5. It allows attackers to disrupt Kerberos authentication services due to a lack of KDC authentication.
You are affected if you are using pykerberos version 1.1.5 or earlier. Check your installed version using pip show pykerberos.
Upgrade pykerberos to version 1.1.6 or later using pip install pykerberos==1.1.6 or your package manager's equivalent command.
While no widespread public exploits are known, the vulnerability's nature makes it potentially attractive to attackers. Continuous monitoring is recommended.
The vulnerability is documented in the NVD database: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2015-3206
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