GPG Key Selection Flaw in Evolution Package Leads to Email Encryption Vulnerability
Summary
DEBIAN-CVE-2013-4166: The gpg_ctx_add_recipient function in camel/camel-gpg-context.c in GNOME Evolution 3.8.4 and earlier and Evolution Data Server 3.9.5 and earlier does not properly select the GPG key to use for email encryption, which mig... Affects evolution versions 3.38.3-1 – 3.56.2-3. No fix is published. How to fix ↓
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Background
Evolution is a personal information management application that integrates mail, calendar, address book, and task list functionalities. It is widely used in GNOME desktop environments and is designed to provide a seamless experience for managing personal and professional communications. However, certain versions of Evolution and its underlying Evolution Data Server have been found to have a vulnerability that affects the security of email encryption.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-4166 arises from the gpg_ctx_add_recipient function in camel/camel-gpg-context.c within GNOME Evolution versions 3.8.4 and earlier, as well as Evolution Data Server versions 3.9.5 and earlier. This flaw leads to improper selection of the GPG key for email encryption, potentially allowing emails to be encrypted with an incorrect key. As a result, sensitive information could be exposed to remote attackers, posing a significant security risk to users.
How To Fix
No fixed version is published for this vulnerability.
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Workaround
As a temporary workaround, users are advised to manually verify the GPG key used for email encryption before sending sensitive information. This can be done by checking the key selection in the email settings of Evolution.
Conclusion
The CVE-2013-4166 vulnerability in the Evolution package poses a serious risk by allowing incorrect GPG key selection for email encryption. Users are strongly encouraged to update their software to the latest patched versions to mitigate this risk and ensure the security of their communications.
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FAQ
CVE-2013-4166 is a vulnerability in the Evolution email client that affects the selection of GPG keys for email encryption, potentially leading to the exposure of sensitive information.
The vulnerability affects GNOME Evolution versions 3.8.4 and earlier, as well as Evolution Data Server versions 3.9.5 and earlier.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in your software. By using the Vulert playground, you can check if your application is affected without needing to sign up.
If an immediate update is not possible, ensure to manually verify the GPG key used for email encryption before sending any sensitive emails.
More details about CVE-2013-4166 can be found in the Debian CVE database and other security advisory platforms.
References
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