CVE-2018-9860 : What You Need to Know

Botan versions 1.11.32 through 2.x before 2.6.0 are affected by an off-by-one error in processing invalid TLS-CBC ciphertext, leading to a denial of service vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2018-9860

This CVE involves a vulnerability in Botan versions 1.11.32 through 2.x before 2.6.0 that could be exploited for denial of service attacks.

What is CVE-2018-9860?

An off-by-one error in the processing of invalid TLS-CBC ciphertext in Botan versions allows an over-read that results in a failed MAC comparison, leading to potential denial of service. No data leakage occurs during this incident.

The Impact of CVE-2018-9860

The vulnerability could allow attackers to cause denial of service by terminating connections due to a failed MAC comparison caused by the off-by-one error in Botan versions.

Technical Details of CVE-2018-9860

Botan CVE-2018-9860 involves the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

An off-by-one error in processing invalid TLS-CBC ciphertext
Over-read leading to a failed MAC comparison
Potential denial of service without data leakage

Affected Systems and Versions

Versions 1.11.32 through 2.x before 2.6.0 of Botan

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the off-by-one error to include additional data in HMAC computation, causing a failed MAC comparison and connection termination.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2018-9860, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Botan to version 2.6.0 or later to mitigate the off-by-one error.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to the latest versions.
Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Botan to fix the vulnerability and enhance security measures.