Critical Security Advisory: Chrony Package Vulnerability in Red Hat Enterprise Linux
Summary
RHSA-2015:2241: Red Hat Security Advisory: chrony security, bug fix, and enhancement update. Affects chrony versions < 0:2.1.1-1.el7. Fixed in 0:2.1.1-1.el7. How to fix ↓
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Background
Chrony is a versatile implementation of the Network Time Protocol (NTP), designed for synchronizing the system clock from different time sources. It is widely used in various environments, including servers, workstations, and compute nodes. The affected versions of Chrony in Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7 have been identified to contain vulnerabilities that could potentially allow unauthorized access or manipulation of time synchronization.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerabilities identified in Chrony (CVE-2015-1821, CVE-2015-1822, CVE-2015-1853) stem from improper handling of certain requests, which could lead to denial of service or unauthorized access. Attackers could exploit these vulnerabilities to manipulate time settings, impacting system operations and security protocols that rely on accurate timekeeping. The vulnerabilities were introduced in earlier versions of Chrony and have been addressed in the latest patches.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
0:2.1.1-1.el7
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo dnf update chronyTip — Not sure which version your app runs? Vulert can match this fix to it. Scan free →
Workaround
If immediate patching is not feasible, consider implementing network-level controls to restrict access to the Chrony service, thereby minimizing exposure to potential attacks. Additionally, monitoring logs for unusual activity can help detect any exploitation attempts.
Conclusion
The identified vulnerabilities in the Chrony package pose significant risks to systems running Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7. It is crucial to apply the necessary updates to safeguard against potential exploitation. Regular monitoring and adherence to security best practices will further enhance system integrity.
See every vulnerability recorded for chrony →
FAQ
Chrony is a software package that implements the Network Time Protocol (NTP) to synchronize the system clock with time sources.
Exploitation of these vulnerabilities could lead to unauthorized access, denial of service, or manipulation of system time, affecting security and operational integrity.
You can use the Vulert platform to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability. Simply upload your manifest file like package-lock.json to monitor for vulnerabilities.
Yes, you can restrict access to the Chrony service and monitor logs for suspicious activities as a temporary measure.
Detailed information about the vulnerabilities can be found in the Red Hat Security Advisory RHSA-2015:2241.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for chrony.
