CVE-2021-46873 : Security Advisory and Response
Discover the impact of CVE-2021-46873, a vulnerability in WireGuard 0.5.3 on Windows that allows attackers to alter system time, rendering private keys unusable. Learn how to mitigate and prevent this issue effectively.
This CVE involves a vulnerability in WireGuard that affects systems running WireGuard 0.5.3 on Windows, potentially allowing an adversary to manipulate a victim's system time, rendering a private key useless.
Understanding CVE-2021-46873
This section provides insights into the impact and technical details of CVE-2021-46873.
What is CVE-2021-46873?
WireGuard, specifically version 0.5.3 on Windows, fails to consider the risk of an attacker changing a victim's system time to a future value. This manipulation, often through unauthenticated NTP, can result in rendering a private key permanently ineffective.
The Impact of CVE-2021-46873
The vulnerability can lead to a situation where a static private key within WireGuard becomes unusable, compromising the security of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2021-46873
Explore the specifics of the vulnerability and its implications.
Vulnerability Description
WireGuard, like version 0.5.3 on Windows, is susceptible to exploitation through an adversary's ability to alter a victim's system time, potentially causing a private key to be permanently unworkable.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Vendor: n/a
- Product: n/a
- Versions:
- Version: n/a
- Status: affected
Exploitation Mechanism
The exploitation occurs due to WireGuard's failure to adequately consider the manipulation of system time, allowing attackers to render private keys useless.
Mitigation and Prevention
Discover actionable steps to mitigate and prevent the CVE.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Ensure systems are running updated versions of WireGuard.
- Implement secure time synchronization mechanisms.
- Monitor for any unauthorized changes to system time.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Use secure and authenticated time synchronization protocols.
- Regularly review and update cryptographic keys.
- Conduct security audits to identify and address potential vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Stay informed about security updates and patches released by WireGuard to address this vulnerability.