User Enumeration Vulnerability in Django: CVE-2016-2513
Summary
CVE-2016-2513: The password hasher in contrib/auth/hashers.py in Django before 1.8.10 and 1.9.x before 1.9.3 allows remote attackers to enumerate users via a timing attack involving login requests. Affects python-django across 2 version ranges.
< 1.9.4-1
< 67b46ba7016da2d259c1ecc7d666d11f5e1cfaab
Fixed in 1.9.4-1. How to fix ↓
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Background
Django is a high-level Python web framework that encourages rapid development and clean, pragmatic design. It is widely used for building web applications and provides a robust set of features, including an authentication system. However, prior to versions 1.8.10 and 1.9.3, Django's password hasher was susceptible to a timing attack, allowing attackers to enumerate valid usernames through crafted login requests.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2016-2513, arises from the password hasher in Django's contrib/auth/hashers.py. It allows remote attackers to exploit timing discrepancies in login responses to determine valid usernames. This can lead to unauthorized access attempts and potential account compromise, as attackers can systematically verify user existence without needing to guess passwords.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1.9.4-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python-djangoTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If upgrading is not immediately possible, consider implementing rate limiting on login attempts to reduce the effectiveness of timing attacks. Additionally, you can obfuscate error messages to prevent attackers from gaining insights into valid usernames.
Conclusion
CVE-2016-2513 is a significant vulnerability in Django that can lead to user enumeration through timing attacks. It is crucial for developers using affected versions to upgrade to at least version 1.9.4 to protect their applications. Implementing additional security measures, such as rate limiting and error message obfuscation, can further enhance security.
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FAQ
CVE-2016-2513 is a vulnerability in Django that allows attackers to enumerate valid usernames through timing attacks on the login process.
Django versions before 1.8.10 and 1.9.x before 1.9.3 are affected by this vulnerability.
You can use the Vulert playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without needing to sign up.
If exploited, this vulnerability can lead to user enumeration, allowing attackers to identify valid usernames and potentially launch further attacks.
The CVSS score for CVE-2016-2513 is 3.1, indicating a low to moderate severity level.
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