CVE-2021-24116 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

wolfSSL through version 4.6.0 is affected by a side-channel vulnerability in base64 PEM file decoding. This vulnerability enables system-level attackers to obtain information about secret RSA keys through controlled-channel and side-channel attacks, particularly in isolated environments like Intel SGX.

Understanding CVE-2021-24116

This section provides insights into the impact, technical details, and mitigation strategies related to CVE-2021-24116.

What is CVE-2021-24116?

CVE-2021-24116 is a vulnerability in wolfSSL versions through 4.6.0 that allows attackers to extract sensitive information, specifically RSA keys, through side-channel attacks in base64 PEM file decoding.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24116

The vulnerability poses a serious threat as it enables system-level attackers to access secret RSA keys through controlled-channel and side-channel attacks. This can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data and compromise the security of systems running wolfSSL.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24116

In this section, we delve into the specifics of the vulnerability, including its description, affected systems, and exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in wolfSSL through version 4.6.0 stems from a side-channel weakness in base64 PEM file decoding. This flaw allows attackers with system-level privileges to gather information about secret RSA keys.

Affected Systems and Versions

All systems running wolfSSL versions up to 4.6.0 are vulnerable to this exploit. Particularly, environments like Intel SGX that can be single-stepped are at a higher risk.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with system-level (administrator) access can execute controlled-channel and side-channel attacks on software in isolated environments, extracting sensitive data such as RSA keys.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the immediate steps to address the vulnerability and provides long-term security practices to enhance overall system security.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the risk associated with CVE-2021-24116, it is crucial to update wolfSSL to a patched version or apply vendor-supplied fixes promptly. Additionally, monitoring system logs for any suspicious activity is recommended.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices, enforcing the principle of least privilege, and conducting regular security audits are essential for maintaining a robust security posture and preventing similar vulnerabilities in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly check for security patches and updates released by wolfSSL to address known vulnerabilities and enhance the security of the cryptographic library.