CWE-593: Authentication Bypass: OpenSSL CTX Object Modified after SSL Objects are Created
Learn about CWE-593 (Authentication Bypass: OpenSSL CTX Object Modified after SSL Objects are Created), its security impact, exploitation methods, and prevention guidelines.
What is Authentication Bypass: OpenSSL CTX Object Modified after SSL Objects are Created?
• Overview: This vulnerability occurs when the SSL context (SSL_CTX) in OpenSSL is modified after SSL objects have already been created from it. This can lead to inconsistencies and security issues, as changes intended for new connections may inadvertently affect existing ones.
• Exploitation Methods:
- Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by intercepting or manipulating SSL/TLS connections if the context modification weakens the security settings.
- Common attack patterns include downgrading encryption protocols or altering certificate validation settings, leading to potential man-in-the-middle attacks.
• Security Impact:
- Direct consequences include unauthorized access or data interception due to weakened SSL/TLS configurations.
- Potential cascading effects involve compromised communication across the system, affecting data integrity and confidentiality.
- Business impact could involve data breaches, loss of customer trust, legal liabilities, and financial loss.
• Prevention Guidelines:
- Specific code-level fixes include avoiding modifications to SSL_CTX objects after they have been used to create SSL objects.
- Security best practices involve initializing and configuring SSL_CTX objects before creating any SSL connections to ensure consistent security settings.
- Recommended tools and frameworks include using static analysis tools to detect improper SSL_CTX usage and employing libraries that abstract away SSL/TLS configurations to reduce the risk of misconfiguration.
Technical Details
Likelihood of Exploit: Not specified
Affected Languages: Not specified
Affected Technologies: Not specified