CVE-2018-12436 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

A vulnerability has been identified in wolfSSL prior to version 3.15.1.patch, specifically in the ecc.c file of the wolfCrypt library. This vulnerability allows for a memory-cache side-channel attack to be carried out on ECDSA signatures. The attack is commonly known as the Return Of the Hidden Number Problem (ROHNP). In order for an attacker to exploit this vulnerability and obtain an ECDSA key, they would require access to either the local machine or a separate virtual machine that is hosted on the same physical server.

Understanding CVE-2018-12436

This section provides an overview of the CVE-2018-12436 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2018-12436?

CVE-2018-12436 is a vulnerability found in wolfSSL before version 3.15.1.patch, affecting the ecc.c file in the wolfCrypt library. It enables a memory-cache side-channel attack on ECDSA signatures, known as the Return Of the Hidden Number Problem (ROHNP).

The Impact of CVE-2018-12436

The vulnerability allows attackers to conduct a memory-cache side-channel attack on ECDSA signatures, potentially leading to the exposure of ECDSA keys. However, exploitation requires access to the local machine or a virtual machine on the same physical server.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-12436

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2018-12436 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in wolfSSL before version 3.15.1.patch permits a memory-cache side-channel attack on ECDSA signatures, also known as ROHNP.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Not applicable
Vendor: Not applicable
Versions affected: Not applicable

Exploitation Mechanism

To exploit CVE-2018-12436, attackers must execute a memory-cache side-channel attack on ECDSA signatures, requiring access to the local machine or a virtual machine on the same physical server.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE-2018-12436 vulnerability.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update wolfSSL to version 3.15.1.patch or later to address the vulnerability.
Restrict access to the local machine and virtual machines to authorized personnel only.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent memory-cache side-channel attacks.
Regularly monitor and audit systems for unusual activities that may indicate an ongoing attack.

Patching and Updates

Ensure timely patching of software and libraries to address known vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-12436.