CVE-2018-14568 : Security Advisory and Response

In versions prior to 4.0.5, Suricata stops inspecting TCP streams when it receives a TCP RST signal from the server. This can result in detection bypass since Windows TCP clients continue to process incoming TCP data without considering the previous RST signal.

Understanding CVE-2018-14568

Suricata before version 4.0.5 has a vulnerability that allows detection bypass due to the handling of TCP RST signals.

What is CVE-2018-14568?

CVE-2018-14568 is a vulnerability in Suricata versions before 4.0.5 that leads to the interruption of TCP stream inspection upon receiving a TCP RST signal from a server.

The Impact of CVE-2018-14568

The vulnerability can be exploited to bypass detection mechanisms as Windows TCP clients may ignore the RST signal and continue processing incoming data.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-14568

Suricata's vulnerability in versions prior to 4.0.5 can have significant implications for network security.

Vulnerability Description

Suricata versions before 4.0.5 fail to continue inspecting TCP streams after receiving a TCP RST signal, potentially allowing malicious traffic to go undetected.

Affected Systems and Versions

Suricata versions before 4.0.5

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to evade detection by sending malicious traffic disguised as normal TCP data.

Mitigation and Prevention

It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent the exploitation of CVE-2018-14568.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Suricata to version 4.0.5 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity that could indicate exploitation of this vulnerability.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software and systems to prevent known vulnerabilities from being exploited.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential security breaches.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by Suricata to address vulnerabilities like CVE-2018-14568.