CVE-2017-3156: Covert Timing Channel in Apache CXF
Summary
CVE-2017-3156: Covert Timing Channel in Apache CXF. Affects org.apache.cxf.karaf:apache-cxf across 2 version ranges.
< 3.0.13
>= 3.1.0, < 3.1.10
Fixed in 3.0.13 or 3.1.10, depending on the release line you run. How to fix ↓
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Background
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework that provides a comprehensive set of tools and libraries for building SOAP and RESTful services. It is widely used in Java-based applications to facilitate communication between different systems. However, prior to version 3.0.13 and 3.1.x prior to 3.1.10, Apache CXF is vulnerable to a covert timing channel attack in its OAuth2 Hawk and JOSE MAC Validation code. This vulnerability arises from the absence of a constant time MAC signature comparison algorithm, which can be exploited by sophisticated timing attacks.
Vulnerability Detail
The lack of a constant time MAC signature comparison algorithm in the OAuth2 Hawk and JOSE MAC Validation code of Apache CXF allows an attacker to perform timing attacks. By carefully measuring the time taken to perform MAC signature comparisons, an attacker can infer information about the secret key used for the MAC calculation. This information leakage can be used to compromise the security of the system and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive data or perform other malicious activities.
How To Fix
Fixed versions by release line
The minimum fixed version depends on the release line you run.
-
< 3.0.133.0.13 -
>= 3.1.0, < 3.1.103.1.10
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Workaround
There is no known workaround for this vulnerability. It is strongly advised to upgrade to the fixed versions of Apache CXF as mentioned in the 'how_to_fix' section.
Conclusion
The Apache CXF framework prior to versions 3.0.13 and 3.1.x prior to 3.1.10 is vulnerable to a covert timing channel attack. To mitigate this vulnerability, it is crucial to upgrade to the fixed versions of Apache CXF as mentioned in the 'how_to_fix' section. For further assistance and support in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
Apache CXF is an open-source web services framework for building SOAP and RESTful services in Java.
A timing attack is a type of side-channel attack where an attacker measures the time taken to perform certain operations to infer information about secret values or cryptographic keys.
A covert timing channel is a type of timing attack where an attacker uses variations in the timing of certain operations to transmit information covertly.
A constant time MAC signature comparison algorithm is a method of comparing MAC signatures that takes a constant amount of time regardless of the input data. This prevents timing attacks that exploit variations in the time taken for different comparisons.
This vulnerability could allow an attacker to infer the secret key used for MAC calculations, potentially compromising the security of the system and enabling unauthorized access to sensitive data or other malicious activities.
