Timing Side-Channel Vulnerability in OpenSSL ECDSA Signature Computation
Summary
CVE-2024-13176: Issue summary: A timing side-channel which could potentially allow recovering the private key exists in the ECDSA signature computation. Affects openssl across 6 version ranges.
< 2af62e74fb59bc469506bc37eb2990ea408d9467
< 3.1.8-r0
< 4b1cb94a734a7d4ec363ac0a215a25c181e11f65
< 77c608f4c8857e63e98e66444e2e761c9627916f
< 392dcb336405a0c94486aa6655057f59fd3a0902
< 07272b05b04836a762b4baa874958af51d513844
Fixed in 3.1.8-r0. How to fix ↓
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Background
OpenSSL is a widely-used open-source software library that provides robust cryptographic functions, including secure communication protocols. It is integral to many applications and systems, enabling secure data transmission over networks. The library supports various cryptographic algorithms, including ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm), which is crucial for ensuring data integrity and authenticity. However, OpenSSL has been found to have a timing side-channel vulnerability in its ECDSA signature computation, which could potentially expose private keys under specific conditions.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2024-13176, arises from a timing side-channel in the ECDSA signature computations. This flaw allows an attacker to recover the private key by measuring the time it takes to perform signature operations. The timing signal, which is approximately 300 nanoseconds, occurs when the top word of the inverted ECDSA nonce value is zero. This situation is more likely to occur with certain elliptic curves, particularly the NIST P-521 curve. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker would need either local access to the signing application or a very fast network connection with low latency, making the severity of this vulnerability classified as low.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.1.8-r0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apk add --upgrade opensslTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
As a temporary measure, users can limit access to the signing application to trusted users only and avoid exposing it over high-speed networks. Additionally, consider using alternative elliptic curves that are not affected by this timing side-channel issue.
Conclusion
CVE-2024-13176 represents a low-severity timing side-channel vulnerability in OpenSSL's ECDSA signature computations. While the risk of exploitation requires specific conditions, it is crucial for users to update their OpenSSL installations to mitigate potential threats. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and identify vulnerabilities in your applications effectively.
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FAQ
CVE-2024-13176 is a vulnerability in OpenSSL that allows attackers to potentially recover private keys through a timing side-channel in ECDSA signature computations.
You can use Vulert, which monitors open-source vulnerabilities in real-time. Simply upload your manifest file like package-lock.json to check for vulnerabilities without requiring installation.
The primary risk is the potential exposure of private keys, which could compromise the security of encrypted communications and data integrity.
Yes, users are advised to update OpenSSL to the latest version that includes the patch for CVE-2024-13176.
If immediate updates are not possible, consider implementing workarounds such as restricting access to the signing application and using alternative elliptic curves.
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