CVE-2019-13178 : Security Advisory and Response

Calamares versions 3.1 through 3.2.10 are affected by a race condition in the "modules/luksbootkeyfile/main.py" file, leading to a security vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2019-13178

This CVE identifies a race condition in Calamares versions 3.1 through 3.2.10, impacting the secure permissions of the LUKS encryption keyfile.

What is CVE-2019-13178?

The vulnerability in the Calamares software allows an attacker to exploit the time gap between creating the LUKS encryption keyfile and setting secure permissions.

The Impact of CVE-2019-13178

The race condition in Calamares versions 3.1 through 3.2.10 can potentially be exploited by malicious actors to compromise the security of the encryption keyfile.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-13178

Calamares versions 3.1 through 3.2.10 are susceptible to a race condition vulnerability in the "modules/luksbootkeyfile/main.py" file.

Vulnerability Description

The race condition occurs during the interval between the creation of the LUKS encryption keyfile and the setting of secure permissions, potentially allowing unauthorized access.

Affected Systems and Versions

Calamares versions 3.1 through 3.2.10

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit the time gap between keyfile creation and permission setting to gain unauthorized access.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-13178, follow these steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Calamares to version 3.2.11 or newer.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or changes to encryption keyfiles.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software to the latest versions to patch vulnerabilities.
Implement access controls and monitoring mechanisms to detect suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches provided by Calamares promptly to mitigate the race condition vulnerability.