CVE-2013-6418: PyWBEM TOCTOU vulnerability in certificate validation

pywbem Updated 02 Oct 2025

Summary

17/05/2022
Yes i
High
7.5

CVE-2013-6418: PyWBEM TOCTOU vulnerability in certificate validation. Affects pywbem versions < 0.8.1. Fixed in 0.8.1. How to fix ↓

Also tracked for

The same CVE-2013-6418 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

PyWBEM is a Python library that provides a WBEM client API for Python applications. It allows users to interact with WBEM servers using the Common Information Model (CIM) and Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) protocols. PyWBEM versions 0.7 and earlier are affected by a TOCTOU (Time-of-Check Time-of-Use) vulnerability in certificate validation. This vulnerability arises from the use of a separate connection to validate X.509 certificates, which can be exploited by man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof a peer using an arbitrary certificate.

Vulnerability Detail

The TOCTOU vulnerability in PyWBEM's certificate validation process allows attackers to perform man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting a fraudulent certificate. By intercepting the separate connection used for certificate validation, an attacker can replace the legitimate certificate with their own arbitrary certificate, effectively impersonating the intended peer. This can lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access, data interception, and potential compromise of sensitive information.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

0.8.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

pip install --upgrade "pywbem==0.8.1"

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Conclusion

The TOCTOU vulnerability in PyWBEM's certificate validation process can be mitigated by upgrading to version 0.8.1 or later. It is crucial to promptly apply this update to prevent potential man-in-the-middle attacks and protect sensitive information. For further support on vulnerability remediation, please contact DevNack.com.

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FAQ

PyWBEM is a Python library that provides a WBEM client API for Python applications. It allows users to interact with WBEM servers using the Common Information Model (CIM) and Web-Based Enterprise Management (WBEM) protocols.

TOCTOU stands for Time-of-Check Time-of-Use. It refers to a class of vulnerabilities where the state of a resource is checked at one point in time and then used at a later point in time, creating a time window for potential exploitation.

PyWBEM uses a separate connection to validate X.509 certificates. This separate connection can be intercepted by a man-in-the-middle attacker, who can replace the legitimate certificate with their own arbitrary certificate, allowing them to impersonate the intended peer.

The TOCTOU vulnerability in PyWBEM can lead to various security risks, including unauthorized access, data interception, and potential compromise of sensitive information. Attackers can use this vulnerability to perform man-in-the-middle attacks and impersonate trusted peers.

To fix this vulnerability, you should upgrade to PyWBEM version 0.8.1 or later. This updated version implements secure certificate validation mechanisms that prevent man-in-the-middle attacks. You can update PyWBEM by running the command: pip install --upgrade pywbem.

Related vulnerabilities

Recent vulnerabilities recorded for pywbem.

How To Fix

Minimum fixed version

0.8.1

This is the first release that contains the fix.

pip install --upgrade "pywbem==0.8.1"

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