Critical Vulnerability in OpenVPN: Unauthorized Library Loading Risk
Summary
ALPINE-CVE-2020-7224: The Aviatrix OpenVPN client through 2.5.7 on Linux, macOS, and Windows is vulnerable when OpenSSL parameters are altered from the issued value set; the parameters could allow unauthorized third-party libraries to load. Affects openvpn versions < 0. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
OpenVPN is a widely used open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques to create secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections. It is known for its flexibility, security, and ability to traverse NAT and firewalls. However, a critical vulnerability has been identified in the Aviatrix OpenVPN client versions up to 2.5.7, which affects multiple operating systems including Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the ability to alter OpenSSL parameters from their issued values, which could allow unauthorized third-party libraries to load. This poses a significant security risk as it may lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources. The vulnerability has been assigned a CVSS score of 9.8, indicating its critical nature and potential for severe impact.
How To Fix
To rectify the vulnerability, it is essential to update the OpenVPN package to a patched version. Users should check for the latest version of OpenVPN that addresses this vulnerability and follow the update instructions specific to their operating system. For Alpine Linux, the command to update the package is
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users can restrict the loading of third-party libraries by modifying their OpenVPN configuration to limit the parameters that can be altered. However, this does not fully mitigate the risk and should only be considered until a proper update can be applied.
Conclusion
In summary, a critical vulnerability has been identified in the Aviatrix OpenVPN client that allows unauthorized library loading due to altered OpenSSL parameters. Users are strongly advised to update to the latest patched version of OpenVPN to mitigate this risk. Temporary workarounds are available but should not replace proper updates.
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FAQ
The CVSS score of this vulnerability is 9.8, indicating a critical level of risk.
The vulnerability affects the Aviatrix OpenVPN client versions up to 2.5.7 on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
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The vulnerability could allow unauthorized third-party libraries to load, potentially leading to unauthorized access to sensitive data or system resources.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting the loading of third-party libraries in your OpenVPN configuration.
References
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