CVE-2021-41117 is a high-severity vulnerability discovered in the keypair library, which is a RSA PEM key generator written in JavaScript. The vulnerability arises from poor random number generation that allows for the generation of identical RSA keys, which is particularly concerning for cryptographic operations. The keys generated by the library may exhibit identical P and Q values, leading to compromised RSA-2048 keys. This generative flaw indicates significant issues with the library's cryptographic random number generation approach.
The vulnerability has a CVSS score of 8.7, indicating a high severity level. The attack vector is network-based, and the attack complexity is classified as high. Organizations utilizing this library should be aware that the lack of proper random number generation can enable attackers to exploit this vulnerability for unauthorized access or to decrypt confidential messages. Given the potential impact, organizations should prioritize remediation efforts.
The urgency for defenders cannot be overstated. Organizations are advised to patch this vulnerability immediately to mitigate the associated risks of key compromise and unauthorized access. The flaw allows attackers to predict RSA keys, which fundamentally undermines the security of any cryptographic system relying on this library.
As of now, there is no known public exploit for this vulnerability, but the exploitability score indicates a high likelihood of exploitation. Therefore, organizations should remain vigilant and implement appropriate security measures.
Vulnerability Details
The official CVE description notes that this vulnerability allows the generation of identical RSA keys, which is practically impossible with RSA-2048 keys. The core of the issue lies in the library's reliance on a flawed random number generation mechanism, specifically a Lehmer Linear Congruential Generator (LCG) seeded with Math.random(). This behavior results in a significant number of duplicate keys, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of cryptographic protections.
The CVSS version 3.1 vector for this vulnerability is CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:N/UI:N/S:C/C:H/I:H/A:N. The base score is 8.7, which classifies this vulnerability as high severity. The affected product is 'keypair' from the vendor 'keypair_project', and the CWE classification is CWE-335.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of the vulnerability stems from the library's inadequate random number generation practices. In scenarios where the execution environment is Node.js, the library fails to utilize the platform's Cryptographically Secure Pseudo-Random Number Generator (CSPRNG). Instead, it defaults to a less secure LCG seeded with potentially weak random values.
The attack vector is network-based, and attackers may leverage this vulnerability to generate predictable RSA keys. The attack complexity is rated as high, requiring a certain degree of skill and access to the affected systems to exploit the flaw effectively. Importantly, no user interaction is required to trigger the vulnerability, which heightens the risk to organizations.
The confidentiality and integrity impacts are both rated as high, meaning that successful exploitation could lead to significant data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information. Availability impact, however, is rated as none.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2021-41117 is substantial. Organizations using the keypair library may unknowingly expose themselves to significant vulnerabilities in their cryptographic implementations. The potential for attackers to generate identical RSA keys undermines the foundational security of encrypted communications, leading to possible unauthorized access to sensitive data.
The blast radius for this vulnerability is extensive, especially for applications relying on the keypair library for secure communications. Attackers who can generate duplicate keys could decrypt confidential messages or impersonate legitimate users, leading to severe reputational and financial damage for affected organizations.
Given the CVSS score and the exploitability metrics, organizations should prioritize patching this vulnerability immediately. Failure to address this issue could result in exploitation that has lasting consequences on data integrity and confidentiality.
Exploitation Status
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | Yes |
Public PoC | Yes |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected product is 'keypair', specifically versions prior to 1.0.4. Organizations are advised to review their usage of this library and ensure that they are not running vulnerable versions.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should update to the latest version of the keypair library. The latest version includes patches addressing the random number generation issue. If upgrading is not feasible, organizations should implement alternative cryptographic libraries that utilize secure random number generation practices.
Organizations should consider implementing additional security controls such as network monitoring and logging to detect any potential misuse of the library before patching.
For further guidance on implementing security measures, organizations may review available resources or consult with experts in application security. Additionally, organizations should be aware of the importance of regular security assessments and penetration testing to identify vulnerabilities proactively.
penetration testing to ensure systems remain secure.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access or unusual behavior that may indicate exploitation of this vulnerability. Behavioral anomalies in key generation processes may also serve as indicators of compromise.
Network signatures related to the keypair library's usage can help in identifying potential abuse. Additionally, any changes in system configurations, particularly those related to cryptographic implementations, should be closely monitored.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
CVE-2021-41117 highlights a critical need for organizations to evaluate their cryptographic libraries and ensure they adhere to best practices in random number generation. This incident underlines the trend of leveraging insecure implementations in widely-used libraries, emphasizing the necessity for ongoing security assessments.
Security teams must recognize patterns of vulnerabilities tied to poor random number generation and take proactive steps to fortify their systems. Continuous security testing and assessments can help identify such weaknesses before they are exploited.
penetration testing methodology should be followed to maintain a robust security posture.
Overall, CVE-2021-41117 serves as a reminder of the importance of rigorous security practices and the potential risks posed by vulnerabilities in widely utilized libraries. Organizations should prioritize their security efforts to prevent similar issues in the future.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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