Man-in-the-Middle Vulnerability in Python Swift Client Library (CVE-2013-6396)
Summary
CVE-2013-6396: The OpenStack Python client library for Swift (python-swiftclient) 1.0 through 1.9.0 does not verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof servers and obtain sensitive inf... Affects python-swiftclient versions < 1:2.0.2-1. Fixed in 1:2.0.2-1. How to fix ↓
Check if this vulnerability affects your application
Upload a manifest or SBOM and we'll show whether you're affected, plus every other risky package in the same scan.
No signup required · Results in about 60 seconds
Background
The Python Swift Client Library, known as python-swiftclient, is a crucial component of the OpenStack ecosystem, enabling users to interact with the Swift object storage service. It facilitates operations such as uploading, downloading, and managing objects in a cloud storage environment. The library is widely used in various applications that require scalable storage solutions. However, versions 1.0 through 1.9.0 of this library are susceptible to a significant security flaw that compromises SSL certificate verification.
Vulnerability Detail
CVE-2013-6396 arises from the python-swiftclient's failure to verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers. This oversight allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks, where they can spoof legitimate servers and intercept sensitive information transmitted between clients and servers. The vulnerability is particularly concerning as it can lead to unauthorized access to confidential data, potentially affecting user privacy and data integrity.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:2.0.2-1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python-swiftclientTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate upgrading is not feasible, a temporary workaround is to implement a custom SSL context that enforces certificate verification. This can be done by modifying the client code to include the following snippet: 'import ssl; ssl_context = ssl.create_default_context(); ssl_context.verify_mode = ssl.CERT_REQUIRED'. Ensure that the SSL context is used in all connections made by the client.
Conclusion
CVE-2013-6396 presents a serious security risk for users of the python-swiftclient library, particularly those using versions 1.0 to 1.9.0. It is crucial to upgrade to a fixed version to ensure SSL certificate verification is properly enforced, thereby protecting against potential man-in-the-middle attacks. Users should also consider implementing workarounds if immediate upgrades are not possible.
See every vulnerability recorded for python-swiftclient →
FAQ
CVE-2013-6396 is a vulnerability in the python-swiftclient library that allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof SSL servers and intercept sensitive information.
Versions 1.0 through 1.9.0 of the python-swiftclient library 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 you cannot upgrade immediately, consider implementing a custom SSL context to enforce certificate verification as a temporary workaround.
Not addressing this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data, compromising user privacy and data integrity.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for python-swiftclient.
