CVE-2018-19589 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

The PKCS11 R2 provider in the Utimaco CryptoServer HSM product package has incorrect access controls for the Security Officer (SO), potentially leading to a reverse ransomware attack.

Understanding CVE-2018-19589

This CVE involves a vulnerability in the Utimaco CryptoServer HSM product package that allows an authenticated Security Officer to access and delete keys stored in external key storage, posing a risk to key availability.

What is CVE-2018-19589?

The PKCS11 R2 provider in the Utimaco CryptoServer HSM product package has incorrect access controls for the Security Officer (SO), enabling unauthorized access to and deletion of keys stored in external key storage.

The Impact of CVE-2018-19589

Risk to key availability for all keys configured with external key storage
Potential economic attack through a reverse ransomware scenario
Attacker can deny legitimate users access to keys while holding encrypted key store for ransom
Attack can be executed physically or remotely if CryptoServer connections are compromised

Technical Details of CVE-2018-19589

The technical details of this CVE are as follows:

Vulnerability Description

Incorrect access controls for the Security Officer (SO) in the PKCS11 R2 provider
Allows access to and deletion of keys marked as private in external key storage

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Utimaco CryptoServer HSM
Vendor: Utimaco
Versions: All versions

Exploitation Mechanism

Authenticated SO can access and delete keys in external key storage
Risk to key availability and potential economic attack

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-19589, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Apply vendor-supplied patches or updates
Restrict access to CryptoServer to authorized personnel only
Monitor and log all access to key storage

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly review and update access control policies
Conduct security training for personnel handling CryptoServer

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories from Utimaco
Implement patches promptly to mitigate vulnerabilities