CVE-2019-6443 : Security Advisory and Response

NTPsec version 1.1.3 and earlier versions have a known vulnerability that leads to a stack-based buffer over-read in ntpd.

Understanding CVE-2019-6443

What is CVE-2019-6443?

An issue was discovered in NTPsec before version 1.1.3, where a bug in ctl_getitem causes a stack-based buffer over-read in the read_sysvars function within ntp_control.c in ntpd.

The Impact of CVE-2019-6443

This vulnerability could be exploited by attackers to execute arbitrary code or cause a denial of service (DoS) on affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2019-6443

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in NTPsec versions 1.1.3 and earlier allows for a stack-based buffer over-read in the ntpd service due to a bug in ctl_getitem.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: NTPsec
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: 1.1.3 and earlier

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending specially crafted packets to the ntpd service, triggering the buffer over-read and potentially executing malicious code.

Mitigation and Prevention

Immediate Steps to Take

Update NTPsec to version 1.1.3 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update and patch all software to prevent known vulnerabilities.
Implement network segmentation and access controls to limit the impact of potential attacks.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates for NTPsec and apply patches promptly to ensure system security.