Critical Vulnerability in Python Packages: CVE-2022-48566 - Constant-Time Defeating Optimizations
Summary
UBUNTU-CVE-2022-48566: An issue was discovered in compare_digest in Lib/hmac.py in Python through 3.9.1. Affects python3.5 versions < 3.5.2-2ubuntu0~16.04.4~14.04.1+esm1. Fixed in 3.5.2-2ubuntu0~16.04.4~14.04.1+esm1. 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
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
Background
Python is a widely-used high-level programming language known for its readability and versatility. It supports multiple programming paradigms and is extensively utilized in web development, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and more. The affected packages, including python2.7, python3.4, python3.5, python3.6, python3.7, and python3.8, are essential components of various applications, providing core functionalities for executing Python scripts. The vulnerability in question affects the compare_digest function in the hmac module, which is crucial for secure hash comparisons.
Vulnerability Detail
The vulnerability arises from the compare_digest function in the hmac module of Python, where constant-time-defeating optimizations were possible in the accumulator variable. This flaw can lead to timing attacks, allowing an attacker to potentially infer sensitive information based on the time taken for hash comparisons. The vulnerability affects multiple versions of Python, making it critical for developers to address it promptly to maintain the integrity and security of their applications.
How To Fix
Minimum fixed version
3.5.2-2ubuntu0~16.04.4~14.04.1+esm1
This is the first release that contains the fix.
sudo apt-get install --only-upgrade python3.5Tip — 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 additional security measures such as rate limiting on sensitive endpoints and using alternative secure comparison methods until the packages can be updated.
Conclusion
CVE-2022-48566 represents a significant vulnerability in several Python packages, allowing for potential timing attacks through the compare_digest function. It is crucial for developers to update their packages to the patched versions to mitigate this risk. Utilizing tools like Vulert can help monitor and alert for such vulnerabilities in real-time.
See every vulnerability recorded for python3.5 →
FAQ
CVE-2022-48566 is a vulnerability in the compare_digest function of the hmac module in Python, which allows for potential timing attacks.
The vulnerability affects multiple Python versions, including python2.7, python3.4, python3.5, python3.6, python3.7, and python3.8.
You can use Vulert's playground at Vulert Scanner to check if your application is affected by this vulnerability without requiring any signup.
The CVSS score of CVE-2022-48566 is 5.9, indicating a medium severity level.
If immediate updates are not possible, implement security measures like rate limiting and alternative secure comparison methods until the packages can be patched.
Related vulnerabilities
Recent vulnerabilities recorded for python3.5.
Habilume
Habit tracker with a companion that grows with you
Complete habits, earn Lume Points, and watch your Lume grow as you stay consistent.
