CVE-2019-6442 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

A vulnerability was found in NTPsec versions prior to 1.1.3 that allows a malicious user with proper authentication to exploit the system by modifying a single byte in ntpd through a malformed configuration request.

Understanding CVE-2019-6442

This CVE entry highlights a security flaw in NTPsec versions before 1.1.3 that could be exploited by an authenticated attacker.

What is CVE-2019-6442?

The vulnerability in NTPsec versions prior to 1.1.3 allows an attacker with proper authentication to modify a byte in ntpd through a malformed configuration request.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6442

The vulnerability enables an authenticated attacker to write one byte out of bounds in ntpd, potentially leading to unauthorized system modifications.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6442

This section delves into the technical aspects of the CVE-2019-6442 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue in NTPsec before 1.1.3 allows an authenticated attacker to write one byte out of bounds in ntpd via a malformed config request.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NTPsec
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions prior to 1.1.3

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability is related to functions config_remotely in ntp_config.c, yyparse in ntp_parser.tab.c, and yyerror in ntp_parser.y.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2019-6442 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NTPsec to version 1.1.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any suspicious activity related to NTP services.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement proper authentication mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access.
Regularly audit and review NTP configurations for any anomalies.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates and patches released by NTPsec.
Apply patches promptly to ensure system security.