Man-in-the-Middle Vulnerability in OpenStack Python Client Library for Swift (python-swiftclient) - CVE-2013-6396
Summary
UBUNTU-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 < 1:2.0.3-0ubuntu1. Fixed in 1:2.0.3-0ubuntu1. How to fix ↓
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Background
The python-swiftclient is a client library for interacting with OpenStack's Swift object storage service. It allows users to manage and interact with Swift resources, providing functionalities such as uploading, downloading, and managing objects in Swift. This library is widely used in cloud environments that utilize OpenStack for storage solutions. However, versions 1.0 through 1.9.0 of this library are vulnerable to a serious security issue that compromises SSL certificate verification.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-6396 arises from the failure of the python-swiftclient to verify X.509 certificates from SSL servers. This oversight enables man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof legitimate servers, potentially leading to the interception of sensitive information. Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by presenting a crafted certificate, allowing them to gain unauthorized access to data transmitted between the client and the server.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
1:2.0.3-0ubuntu1
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
As a temporary workaround, users can implement additional security measures such as using a VPN or SSH tunneling to encrypt communications, thereby reducing the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks until the package can be updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2013-6396 poses a significant security risk to users of the python-swiftclient library by allowing man-in-the-middle attacks due to improper SSL certificate verification. It is crucial to update to the patched version to mitigate this risk and ensure secure communications.
See every vulnerability recorded for python-swiftclient →
FAQ
CVE-2013-6396 is a vulnerability in the python-swiftclient library that allows attackers to spoof SSL servers due to the lack of certificate verification.
Versions 1.0 through 1.9.0 of python-swiftclient 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.
Not fixing this vulnerability can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive information, as attackers can intercept data transmitted between the client and server.
Yes, Vulert can monitor and alert you in real-time for open-source vulnerabilities in your software using just a manifest file like package-lock.json.
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