CVE-2019-11497 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

In version 5.0.0 of Couchbase Server, an issue allowed the acceptance of invalid Remote Cluster Certificates during reference creation, potentially leading to security risks. This vulnerability was addressed in version 5.5.0 by implementing enhanced certificate validation checks.

Understanding CVE-2019-11497

This CVE entry highlights a security vulnerability in Couchbase Server versions 5.0.0 and 5.5.0.

What is CVE-2019-11497?

CVE-2019-11497 refers to a flaw in Couchbase Server 5.0.0 that allowed the acceptance of incorrect Remote Cluster Certificates during reference creation, potentially compromising the security of connections to remote clusters.

The Impact of CVE-2019-11497

The vulnerability could have allowed malicious actors to exploit the acceptance of invalid certificates, leading to potential security breaches and unauthorized access to remote clusters.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-11497

This section delves into the technical aspects of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

In Couchbase Server 5.0.0, the system failed to properly analyze and verify the certificate signature of Remote Cluster Certificates, allowing the acceptance of invalid certificates.

Affected Systems and Versions

Affected Version: 5.0.0
Fixed Version: 5.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability could be exploited by providing an incorrect Remote Cluster Certificate during reference creation, tricking the system into accepting the invalid certificate for future connections.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address and prevent vulnerabilities like CVE-2019-11497, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Upgrade to Couchbase Server version 5.5.0 to mitigate the vulnerability.
Ensure that all Remote Cluster Certificates are valid and properly configured.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly monitor and update certificates to maintain a secure environment.
Implement a robust certificate management policy to prevent the use of invalid certificates.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security alerts and updates from Couchbase to address potential vulnerabilities promptly.