CVE-2024-23771 Explained : Impact and Mitigation

This CVE record pertains to a vulnerability in darkhttpd before version 1.15. The issue arises from the use of

strcmp

for authentication verification, which is not constant time. This flaw can be exploited by remote attackers to bypass authentication through a timing side channel.

Understanding CVE-2024-23771

This section will delve into the details of CVE-2024-23771, including its impact, technical aspects, and mitigation strategies.

What is CVE-2024-23771?

CVE-2024-23771 is a security vulnerability found in darkhttpd versions prior to 1.15. The vulnerability allows remote attackers to bypass authentication using a timing side channel due to the insecure authentication verification mechanism.

The Impact of CVE-2024-23771

The impact of CVE-2024-23771 is significant as it exposes systems running darkhttpd to unauthorized access. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability to gain entry to sensitive information or resources without proper authentication, potentially leading to data breaches or unauthorized actions.

Technical Details of CVE-2024-23771

In this section, we will explore the technical aspects of CVE-2024-23771, including the vulnerability description, affected systems and versions, and the exploitation mechanism.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability in darkhttpd before version 1.15 stems from the use of the non-constant time

strcmp

function for authentication verification. This insecure comparison method enables attackers to bypass authentication using a timing side channel.

Affected Systems and Versions

The vulnerability affects darkhttpd versions prior to 1.15. Systems running these versions are at risk of exploitation by remote attackers aiming to bypass authentication mechanisms.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit CVE-2024-23771 by leveraging the timing discrepancies in the

strcmp

function used for authentication verification in darkhttpd. By analyzing the response times, attackers can discern the correct authentication credentials, thereby bypassing the authentication process.

Mitigation and Prevention

This section outlines the steps that organizations and users can take to mitigate the risks posed by CVE-2024-23771 and prevent potential exploitation.

Immediate Steps to Take

To mitigate the vulnerability, users are advised to update their darkhttpd installations to version 1.15 or apply patches provided by the software vendor. Additionally, implementing network-level security controls and access restrictions can help prevent unauthorized access to affected systems.

Long-Term Security Practices

Establishing robust authentication mechanisms, employing secure coding practices, conducting regular security audits, and staying informed about software vulnerabilities can help enhance long-term security posture and defend against similar exploits in the future.

Patching and Updates

Regularly monitoring for software updates and security advisories from the darkhttpd project is crucial. Promptly applying patches and keeping systems up-to-date with the latest stable releases can help mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2024-23771 and other potential vulnerabilities.