CVE-2022-39308 : Security Advisory and Response
GoCD versions 19.2.0 to 19.10.0 are vulnerable to a timing attack in access token validation, allowing unauthorized API access. Update to version 19.11.0 to mitigate the risk.
GoCD API authentication of user access tokens subject to timing attack during comparison
Understanding CVE-2022-39308
GoCD versions from 19.2.0 to 19.10.0 are vulnerable to a timing attack during the validation of access tokens, allowing potential brute force attacks to guess access tokens for API access. This issue has been addressed in version 19.11.0.
What is CVE-2022-39308?
GoCD, a continuous delivery server, is susceptible to a timing attack in the validation of user access tokens due to the use of regular string comparison instead of a constant-time algorithm. This vulnerability could be exploited by malicious actors to guess access tokens used for API access.
The Impact of CVE-2022-39308
The vulnerability could lead to unauthorized access to API functions and sensitive data stored or processed by GoCD. An attacker could potentially exploit this vulnerability to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of the system.
Technical Details of CVE-2022-39308
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from the timing discrepancies in the validation of user access tokens in GoCD versions 19.2.0 to 19.10.0, allowing attackers to exploit the timing differences to guess valid access tokens.
Affected Systems and Versions
The vulnerability affects versions of GoCD from 19.2.0 to 19.10.0 (inclusive). Users of these versions are advised to update to version 19.11.0 to mitigate the risk.
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers could leverage the timing differences in the token validation process to iteratively guess valid access tokens, potentially gaining unauthorized API access.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
To mitigate the risk posed by CVE-2022-39308, users are recommended to update their GoCD server to version 19.11.0 or later. Alternatively, applying rate limiting or introducing random delays to API calls can help reduce the effectiveness of timing attacks.
Long-Term Security Practices
In the long term, organizations should implement robust authentication mechanisms, adopt secure coding practices, and regularly update their software to address known vulnerabilities.
Patching and Updates
Users should regularly monitor security advisories from GoCD and promptly apply patches and updates to ensure their systems are protected against known vulnerabilities.