CVE-2018-6519 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies
Discover the impact of CVE-2018-6519 affecting SimpleSAMLphp versions prior to 1.10.4, 2.x before 2.3.5, and 3.x before 3.1.1. Learn about the ReDoS vulnerability and mitigation steps.
SimpleSAMLphp versions earlier than 1.10.4, 2.x versions before 2.3.5, and 3.x versions before 3.1.1 contain a vulnerability related to Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) within the SAML2 library.
Understanding CVE-2018-6519
This CVE identifies a vulnerability in SimpleSAMLphp versions that could be exploited through fraction-of-seconds data in a timestamp.
What is CVE-2018-6519?
The vulnerability in SimpleSAMLphp versions prior to specified releases allows for a Regular Expression Denial of Service (ReDoS) attack within the SAML2 library.
The Impact of CVE-2018-6519
The vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to cause denial of service by manipulating fraction-of-seconds data in timestamps.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-6519
SimpleSAMLphp versions before 1.10.4, 2.x before 2.3.5, and 3.x before 3.1.1 are affected by this vulnerability.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability lies in the SAML2 library of affected SimpleSAMLphp versions, allowing for ReDoS attacks when processing fraction-of-seconds data in timestamps.
Affected Systems and Versions
- SimpleSAMLphp versions earlier than 1.10.4
- 2.x versions before 2.3.5
- 3.x versions before 3.1.1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating fraction-of-seconds data within timestamps to trigger a ReDoS attack.
Mitigation and Prevention
It is crucial to take immediate steps to address and prevent exploitation of this vulnerability.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update SimpleSAMLphp to versions 1.10.4, 2.3.5, or 3.1.1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Monitor and restrict inputs related to timestamps to prevent malicious data manipulation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update and patch software to ensure the latest security fixes are in place.
- Educate developers and administrators on secure coding practices to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by SimpleSAMLphp promptly to address the ReDoS vulnerability.