CVE-2019-3700 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-3700, a vulnerability in yast2-security in openSUSE allowing passwords to be encrypted using DES without proper protection, potentially exposing them to attackers. Find out the impact, affected systems, and mitigation steps.
A vulnerability in yast2-security in openSUSE allowed passwords to be encrypted using DES without proper protection, potentially exposing them to attackers.
Understanding CVE-2019-3700
This CVE describes a security issue in the yast2-security component of openSUSE, where passwords were not adequately protected.
What is CVE-2019-3700?
The vulnerability stemmed from the lack of secure defaults in yast2-security, leading to the encryption of passwords using DES without sufficient safeguards.
The Impact of CVE-2019-3700
- CVSS Base Score: 2.9 (Low severity)
- Attack Vector: Local
- Attack Complexity: High
- Confidentiality Impact: Low
- Integrity Impact: None
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- The issue could allow attackers to potentially access password hashes due to the weak encryption used.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-3700
The technical aspects of the vulnerability provide insight into the affected systems, exploitation mechanism, and mitigation strategies.
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allowed passwords to be encrypted using DES without adequate protection, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Product: Factory
- Vendor: openSUSE
- Affected Version: yast2-security < 4.2.6
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could exploit this vulnerability by gaining access to the password hashes, potentially decrypting passwords encrypted using DES.
Mitigation and Prevention
Addressing CVE-2019-3700 involves immediate steps and long-term security practices to enhance protection.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update yast2-security to version 4.2.6 or higher to ensure secure password encryption.
- Change passwords created during the vulnerable period to stronger, more secure ones.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Implement strong password policies and encryption standards.
- Regularly monitor and update security configurations to prevent similar vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
- Apply patches provided by openSUSE to fix the vulnerability and enhance password protection.