CVE-2020-12692 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

OpenStack Keystone versions before 15.0.1 and 16.0.0 are affected by a vulnerability that allows an attacker to reissue an OpenStack token by sniffing the Authorization header.

Understanding CVE-2020-12692

This CVE identifies a security issue in OpenStack Keystone related to the EC2 API's lack of a signature TTL check for AWS Signature V4.

What is CVE-2020-12692?

The vulnerability in OpenStack Keystone allows an attacker to exploit the EC2 API's missing signature TTL check, enabling unauthorized reissuance of OpenStack tokens.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12692

The absence of a signature TTL check in the EC2 API permits attackers to intercept the Authorization header and misuse it to generate OpenStack tokens repeatedly.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12692

OpenStack Keystone's vulnerability can have severe consequences due to the following technical aspects:

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from the EC2 API's failure to validate the signature TTL for AWS Signature V4, leading to token reissuance exploitation.

Affected Systems and Versions

OpenStack Keystone versions before 15.0.1 and 16.0.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can intercept the Authorization header to reissue OpenStack tokens without proper validation.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-12692 and enhance system security, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update OpenStack Keystone to versions 15.0.1 or 16.0.0 that include the necessary signature TTL check.
Monitor and restrict access to the Authorization header to prevent unauthorized token reissuance.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement regular security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.
Educate users and administrators on secure authentication practices and the risks of token misuse.

Patching and Updates

Apply patches and updates provided by OpenStack to ensure the EC2 API includes the required signature TTL check.