CVE-2017-0375 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2017-0375, a vulnerability in Tor versions before 0.3.0.8 that can be exploited to cause a denial of service. Find out how to mitigate the risk and protect your systems.
In versions of Tor prior to 0.3.0.8, a vulnerability exists in the hidden-service functionality that can lead to a denial of service attack. This vulnerability is triggered by encountering a malformed BEGIN cell, resulting in an assertion failure and the termination of the daemon process.
Understanding CVE-2017-0375
This CVE entry highlights a vulnerability in Tor versions before 0.3.0.8 that can be exploited to cause a denial of service.
What is CVE-2017-0375?
The vulnerability in Tor before version 0.3.0.8 allows attackers to trigger a denial of service by exploiting a flaw in the hidden-service feature.
The Impact of CVE-2017-0375
The vulnerability can lead to a denial of service attack, causing an assertion failure and the termination of the daemon process in affected versions of Tor.
Technical Details of CVE-2017-0375
This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE.
Vulnerability Description
The hidden-service functionality in Tor before 0.3.0.8 is susceptible to a denial of service attack triggered by encountering a malformed BEGIN cell.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Tor before 0.3.0.8
- Vendor: n/a
- Versions: Tor before 0.3.0.8
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by sending a malformed BEGIN cell to the hidden-service feature, leading to an assertion failure and the subsequent termination of the daemon process.
Mitigation and Prevention
Protecting systems from CVE-2017-0375 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Tor to version 0.3.0.8 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate an exploitation attempt.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch Tor and other software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
- Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to potential attacks.
- Educate users and administrators about safe browsing practices and the importance of software updates.
- Stay informed about security advisories and subscribe to relevant mailing lists for timely updates.
Patching and Updates
Ensure that all systems running Tor are updated to version 0.3.0.8 or above to address the vulnerability.