This vulnerability allows a server or client to verify the peer when incorrect extended key usage is presented. Specifically, a server will erroneously verify a client if they possess server authentication extended key usage and vice versa. The issue was introduced in the ssl application of the Erlang Open Telecom Platform (OTP) starting from versions OTP-25.3.2.8, OTP-26.2, and OTP-27.0.
The CVSS score of 5.5 indicates a medium severity level, which suggests that while exploitation is feasible, it may require specific conditions. The attack vector is classified as network-based, and the attack complexity is high, necessitating significant privileges to execute successfully. Due to these factors, organizations should address this vulnerability in their patch cycle.
Organizations should prioritize patching immediately to prevent unauthorized access. The vulnerability is currently awaiting analysis, and no known exploits have been confirmed.
Given the nature of this vulnerability, the risk to organizations includes potential unauthorized access and data breaches if the affected libraries are used in production environments.
For more information, refer to the advisory on GitHub.
Vulnerability Details
CVE-2024-53846 is a medium-severity vulnerability affecting the Erlang OTP libraries. The CVSS score for this vulnerability is 5.5, which categorizes it as medium severity.
The vulnerability arises from a regression in the ssl application of OTP that allows for improper peer verification. The affected versions include OTP-25.3.2.8, OTP-26.2, and OTP-27.0, and it is tied to CWE-295, which refers to the improper certificate validation.
Technical Analysis
The root cause of this vulnerability is a regression within the Erlang OTP libraries that affects the ssl application. The attack vector is network-based, meaning that an attacker can exploit this vulnerability remotely without needing physical access to the server.
The attack complexity is classified as high, requiring significant privileges for successful exploitation. User interaction is not required, which adds to the risk profile of this vulnerability. The confidentiality, integrity, and availability impacts are all rated as low.
Risk & Impact Analysis
The real-world risk associated with CVE-2024-53846 largely pertains to the potential for unauthorized access if exploited. Given that the vulnerability allows for improper peer verification, the blast radius could affect any systems using the affected versions of the Erlang OTP libraries.
Organizations should assess their deployment of Erlang OTP and prioritize this vulnerability in their patch management processes. The urgency of remediation is moderate due to the medium CVSS score and the fact that exploitation may require specific conditions.
Signal | Status |
|---|---|
Known Exploit | No |
Public PoC | No |
Actively Exploited | No |
Ransomware Use | No |
Affected Versions
The affected versions of the Erlang OTP libraries are OTP-25.3.2.8, OTP-26.2, and OTP-27.0. Organizations using these versions should take immediate steps to remediate the issue.
Mitigation & Remediation
To mitigate this vulnerability, organizations should upgrade to the latest version of the Erlang OTP libraries that resolves this issue. If immediate upgrading is not feasible, ensure that network controls are in place to limit exposure.
Organizations should also consider implementing security measures such as monitoring for unusual access patterns and reviewing their existing configurations to ensure compliance with security best practices. Continuous security testing can help identify similar vulnerabilities in the future.
continuous security testing can help organizations proactively manage potential risks.
Detection Guidance
Organizations should monitor logs for indicators of unauthorized access attempts or unusual peer verification patterns. Behavioral anomalies, such as unexpected certificate validation failures, should be investigated promptly.
AppSecure Threat Intelligence Insight
The long-term significance of CVE-2024-53846 lies in the ongoing need for rigorous security assessments in libraries and frameworks used in production. This vulnerability highlights the importance of peer verification processes in securing communication protocols.
Security teams should remain vigilant and incorporate lessons learned from this incident into their security practices. Regularly updating libraries and conducting thorough vulnerability assessments can mitigate risks associated with similar vulnerabilities.
For enhanced security, organizations can engage in penetration testing to further validate their configurations.
Moreover, organizations should stay updated with the latest threat intelligence and adopt a proactive approach to security management.
Disclaimer: This content was generated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical information with official sources.
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