CVE-2020-8897: Weak Robustness Vulnerability in AWS Encryption SDKs
Summary
CVE-2020-8897: A weak robustness vulnerability exists in the AWS Encryption SDKs for Java, Python, C and Javalcript prior to versions 2.0.0. Affects aws-encryption-sdk versions < 2.0.0. Fixed in 2.0.0. How to fix ↓
Also tracked for
The same CVE-2020-8897 is tracked separately for each ecosystem and vendor. Its fix information is the same; the package and affected versions differ.
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Background
The AWS Encryption SDKs for Java, Python, C, and JavaScript are open-source libraries that provide a high-level interface for encrypting and decrypting data using various encryption algorithms. These SDKs are widely used by developers to secure sensitive data in AWS environments. The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-8897 affects versions prior to 2.0.0 of the AWS Encryption SDKs. It is related to the non-committing property of AES-GCM and other AEAD ciphers used by the SDKs for message encryption. This vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a unique ciphertext that can decrypt to multiple different results, particularly in a multi-recipient scenario.
Vulnerability Detail
The weak robustness vulnerability in the AWS Encryption SDKs arises due to the non-committing property of AES-GCM and other AEAD ciphers. These ciphers are used by the SDKs to encrypt messages, but they do not provide a guarantee that the same ciphertext will always decrypt to the same plaintext. This vulnerability becomes especially relevant in a multi-recipient setting, where different recipients may obtain different plaintext results from the same ciphertext. An attacker can exploit this vulnerability by crafting a ciphertext that can decrypt to multiple different results, potentially leading to data integrity and confidentiality issues. It is crucial for users of the affected SDK versions to update to version 2.0.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
2.0.0
This is the first release that contains the fix.
pip install --upgrade "aws-encryption-sdk==2.0.0"Tip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Conclusion
The weak robustness vulnerability in the AWS Encryption SDKs can lead to data integrity and confidentiality issues. Users of the affected SDK versions should update to version 2.0.0 or later to mitigate this vulnerability. For further support and assistance in vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.
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FAQ
The vulnerability allows an attacker to craft a ciphertext that can decrypt to multiple different results, potentially leading to data integrity and confidentiality issues.
Versions prior to 2.0.0 of the AWS Encryption SDKs for Java, Python, C, and JavaScript are affected.
You can check the version of the AWS Encryption SDK by inspecting the package or library dependencies in your project. Alternatively, you can consult the documentation or release notes of the specific SDK you are using.
There are no known exploits of this vulnerability at the time of this advisory. However, it is important to update to the fixed version to prevent any potential exploitation.
No specific workaround is available for this vulnerability. Updating to version 2.0.0 or later of the AWS Encryption SDKs is the recommended solution.
References
Related vulnerabilities
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