CVE-2019-12904 : Exploit Details and Defense Strategies

Libgcrypt 1.8.4 C Implementation Vulnerability

Understanding CVE-2019-12904

What is CVE-2019-12904?

The C implementation of AES in Libgcrypt 1.8.4 is susceptible to a flush-and-reload side-channel attack due to the availability of physical addresses to other processes, enabling the attack.

The Impact of CVE-2019-12904

This vulnerability allows unauthorized access to sensitive data through a side-channel attack, potentially compromising the confidentiality of encrypted information.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-12904

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in Libgcrypt 1.8.4 arises from the C implementation of AES, which exposes physical addresses to other processes, facilitating a side-channel attack.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: n/a
Vendor: n/a
Version: 1.8.4

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited by leveraging the flush-and-reload side-channel attack to access physical addresses and extract sensitive information.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Monitor vendor updates and security advisories for patches.
Implement access controls and restrictions to limit exposure to potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and libraries to address known vulnerabilities.
Conduct security assessments and audits to identify and mitigate potential risks.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by the vendor to address the vulnerability and enhance system security.