CVE-2019-14318 : Security Advisory and Response

Crypto++ 8.3.0 and earlier versions have a vulnerability in the ECDSA signature generation process, allowing attackers to compute the private key. The issue arises from a timing side channel in scalar multiplication, leaking sensitive information.

Understanding CVE-2019-14318

This CVE involves a timing side channel vulnerability in Crypto++ versions 8.3.0 and earlier, impacting the ECDSA signature generation process.

What is CVE-2019-14318?

The vulnerability in Crypto++ allows attackers to exploit timing side channels to calculate the private key used in ECDSA signature generation.

The Impact of CVE-2019-14318

Attackers, local or remote, can measure signing operation durations to derive the private key
The issue stems from non-constant time scalar multiplication, leaking critical information

Technical Details of CVE-2019-14318

Crypto++ 8.3.0 and previous versions are susceptible to a timing side channel attack in ECDSA signature generation.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability enables attackers to compute the private key by measuring signing operation durations
Scalar multiplication in ecp.cpp and algebra.cpp modules is not constant time, leaking sensitive information

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: Crypto++
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: 8.3.0 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit timing side channels to measure signing operation durations and derive the private key

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2019-14318, users should take immediate steps and implement long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Crypto++ to the latest version to mitigate the vulnerability
Monitor for any unusual activities indicating exploitation of the timing side channel

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to avoid timing side channel vulnerabilities
Regularly review and update cryptographic libraries and dependencies

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by Crypto++ to fix the timing side channel vulnerability