CVE-2019-5010 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2019-5010 affecting Python.org Python 2.7.11 / 3.6.6. This Medium severity vulnerability allows attackers to trigger a denial-of-service attack through a NULL pointer dereference.
Python.org Python 2.7.11 / 3.6.6 versions contain a vulnerability that allows for a denial-of-service attack through a NULL pointer dereference in the X509 certificate parser.
Understanding CVE-2019-5010
This CVE involves a vulnerability in Python.org Python versions 2.7.11 and 3.6.6 that can be exploited for a denial-of-service attack.
What is CVE-2019-5010?
The vulnerability in Python.org Python versions 2.7.11 and 3.6.6 allows attackers to trigger a denial-of-service attack by exploiting a flaw in the X509 certificate parser. By using a carefully crafted X509 certificate, an attacker can cause a NULL pointer dereference, leading to a system crash and denial of service.
The Impact of CVE-2019-5010
- CVSS Base Score: 5.9 (Medium)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: High
- Availability Impact: High
- Privileges Required: None
- Scope: Unchanged
- This vulnerability can be exploited by establishing or accepting TLS connections with manipulated certificates.
Technical Details of CVE-2019-5010
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability allows for a denial-of-service attack due to a NULL pointer dereference in the X509 certificate parser of Python.org Python 2.7.11 / 3.6.6.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Affected Versions:
- Python.org CPython 2.7.11
- Python.org CPython 3.6.6
- Python.org CPython 3.5.2
- Python.org CPython 3 master at 480833808e918a1dcebbbcfd07d5a8de3c5c2a66
Exploitation Mechanism
The vulnerability can be exploited by using a specially crafted X509 certificate to trigger a NULL pointer dereference, leading to a denial-of-service condition.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update Python to the latest patched version.
- Avoid accepting TLS connections with untrusted or manipulated certificates.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly monitor and apply security updates for Python.
- Implement network security measures to detect and prevent malicious TLS connections.
Patching and Updates
- Apply security patches provided by Python to address the vulnerability.