Description Preview
The vulnerability in question arises from the fact that when using the SecureTransport/Darwinssl backend, curl and libcurl versions 7.27.0 through 7.35.0 do not properly verify that the server hostname matches a domain name in the subject's Common Name (CN) or subjectAltName field of the X.509 certificate. This oversight enables attackers to carry out man-in-the-middle attacks by presenting a valid certificate for a different domain than the one being accessed, particularly when the URL uses a numerical IP address.
Overview
This vulnerability affects curl and libcurl versions 7.27.0 through 7.35.0 when utilizing the SecureTransport/Darwinssl backend on Apple OS X 10.9.x before version 10.9.2. It allows malicious actors to spoof servers by leveraging an arbitrary valid certificate when accessing URLs with numerical IP addresses.
Remediation
To address this vulnerability, users are advised to update their systems to a version of curl or libcurl beyond 7.35.0, specifically after the release of Apple OS X 10.9.2. By ensuring that the server hostname verification process is correctly implemented, the risk of man-in-the-middle attacks exploiting this flaw can be mitigated.
References
- GitHub Gist: https://gist.github.com/rmoriz/fb2b0a6a0ce10550ab73
- Secunia Advisory 57836: http://secunia.com/advisories/57836
- Apple Support Knowledge Base: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT6150
- Chef Server Release Information: http://www.getchef.com/blog/2014/04/09/chef-server-11-0-12-release/
- Twitter Status Update by agl__: http://twitter.com/agl__/statuses/437029812046422016
- cURL Security Advisory: http://curl.haxx.se/docs/adv_20140326C.html
- Secunia Advisory 57968: http://secunia.com/advisories/57968
- Twitter Status Update by okoeroo: http://twitter.com/okoeroo/statuses/437272014043496449
- Enterprise Chef Release Information: http://www.getchef.com/blog/2014/04/09/enterprise-chef-11-1-3-release/
- Enterprise Chef Release Information: http://www.getchef.com/blog/2014/04/09/enterprise-chef-1-4-9-release/
- Secunia Advisory 57966: http://secunia.com/advisories/57966
Industry ExposureMost to leastThis section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
This section illustrates the prevalence of a specific Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) across various industries based on customer reports. The ranking displays industries from the most to least affected by this particular vulnerability, offering valuable insight into where this CVE has been most frequently observed. This information can help organizations within these sectors prioritize their security efforts, understand their relative risk exposure compared to their peers, and focus remediation strategies where they are most needed. By understanding the industry-specific impact, organizations can make more informed decisions regarding patching, resource allocation, and overall risk management related to this CVE.
- Accommodation & Food ServicesAccommodation & Food Services
- Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation ServicesAdministrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
- Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & HuntingAgriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
- Arts, Entertainment & RecreationArts, Entertainment & Recreation
- ConstructionConstruction
- Educational ServicesEducational Services
- Finance and InsuranceFinance and Insurance
- Health Care & Social AssistanceHealth Care & Social Assistance
- InformationInformation
- Management of Companies & EnterprisesManagement of Companies & Enterprises
- ManufacturingManufacturing
- MiningMining
- Other Services (except Public Administration)Other Services (except Public Administration)
- Professional, Scientific, & Technical ServicesProfessional, Scientific, & Technical Services
- Public AdministrationPublic Administration
- Real Estate Rental & LeasingReal Estate Rental & Leasing
- Retail TradeRetail Trade
- Transportation & WarehousingTransportation & Warehousing
- UtilitiesUtilities
- Wholesale TradeWholesale Trade