CVE-2018-3737 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

SSHpk node module up to version 1.13.1 is vulnerable to ReDoS due to the parsing of manipulated invalid public keys.

Understanding CVE-2018-3737

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in the SSHpk node module that can lead to ReDoS attacks.

What is CVE-2018-3737?

CVE-2018-3737 highlights a flaw in SSHpk's handling of crafted invalid public keys, making it susceptible to ReDoS (Regular Expression Denial of Service) attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2018-3737

The vulnerability allows attackers to exploit SSHpk's parsing of manipulated public keys, potentially causing denial of service by consuming excessive resources.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-3737

SSHpk node module versions up to and including 1.13.1 are affected by this vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the insecure parsing of invalid public keys, enabling attackers to trigger ReDoS attacks.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: SSHpk node module
Vendor: HackerOne
Versions affected: Up to and including 1.13.1

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing manipulated invalid public keys, causing the system to consume excessive resources and potentially leading to a denial of service.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-3737, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update SSHpk node module to a patched version.
Monitor system resources for unusual consumption that may indicate an ongoing attack.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software components to mitigate known vulnerabilities.
Implement input validation mechanisms to prevent the acceptance of malformed data.

Patching and Updates

Apply security patches promptly to address vulnerabilities and enhance system security.