CVE-2022-38153 : Security Advisory and Response

An issue was discovered in wolfSSL before 5.5.0 (when --enable-session-ticket is used); however, only version 5.3.0 is exploitable. This vulnerability allows man-in-the-middle attackers or a malicious server to crash TLS 1.2 clients during a handshake. If an attacker injects a large ticket into a NewSessionTicket message in a TLS 1.2 handshake, the client crashes due to unallocated memory, leading to a "free(): invalid pointer" message. The vulnerability might also be exploitable during TLS 1.3 handshakes.

Understanding CVE-2022-38153

This section provides insights into the nature and impact of the CVE-2022-38153 vulnerability.

What is CVE-2022-38153?

CVE-2022-38153 is a vulnerability in wolfSSL versions prior to 5.5.0 that allows attackers to crash TLS 1.2 clients by injecting a large ticket during a handshake, leading to a denial-of-service condition.

The Impact of CVE-2022-38153

The vulnerability enables man-in-the-middle attackers or malicious servers to exploit TLS 1.2 clients, causing crashes during handshakes, posing a risk to the integrity and availability of affected systems.

Technical Details of CVE-2022-38153

Explore the specific technical aspects related to the CVE-2022-38153 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises when a large ticket is injected into a NewSessionTicket message during a TLS 1.2 handshake, causing the client to crash with a "free(): invalid pointer" message.

Affected Systems and Versions

All wolfSSL versions before 5.5.0, particularly version 5.3.0, are susceptible to this vulnerability, impacting TLS 1.2 clients.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by inserting a large ticket into specific handshake messages, triggering memory-related issues that lead to client crashes.

Mitigation and Prevention

Discover the steps to mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2022-38153 and prevent potential exploits.

Immediate Steps to Take

Users should update wolfSSL to version 5.5.0 or newer to address the vulnerability and prevent potential crashes in TLS 1.2 clients.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implementing secure coding practices and regularly updating security patches can enhance the overall resilience of systems against similar vulnerabilities.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security updates from wolfSSL and promptly apply patches to protect systems from known vulnerabilities.