CVE-2023-32342:IBM GSKit RSA Decryption Timing-Based Side Channel Vulnerability

splash
Back

Description Preview

IBM GSKit contains a vulnerability in its RSA Decryption implementation that could allow remote attackers to obtain sensitive information through a timing-based side channel attack. By sending numerous trial messages for decryption and analyzing timing differences in responses, attackers could potentially extract sensitive cryptographic information.

Overview

This vulnerability (CVE-2023-32342) affects IBM GSKit's RSA decryption implementation. The issue is classified as CWE-203 (Information Exposure Through Discrepancy), specifically a timing-based side channel vulnerability. When processing RSA decryption operations, the implementation exhibits timing variations that can leak information about the private key. An attacker who sends a large number of carefully crafted trial messages for decryption and measures the time taken to process each request could potentially extract sensitive cryptographic information over time. This type of side-channel attack undermines the security guarantees of the cryptographic implementation without necessarily breaking the mathematical properties of the algorithm itself.

Remediation

Organizations using IBM GSKit should:

  1. Apply the latest security patches provided by IBM as soon as they become available
  2. Monitor IBM's security bulletins for updates on this vulnerability
  3. Consider implementing additional network-level protections to limit the ability of attackers to perform timing measurements
  4. If possible, implement rate limiting on decryption operations to make timing attacks more difficult
  5. Consider using alternative cryptographic implementations that include protections against timing attacks if patches are not immediately available

References

  1. IBM X-Force ID: 255828
  2. X-Force Exchange: https://exchange.xforce.ibmcloud.com/vulnerabilities/255828
  3. CWE-203: Information Exposure Through Discrepancy
  4. MITRE CVE: CVE-2023-32342

Industry ExposureMost to least
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.

  1. Manufacturing
    Manufacturing
  2. Finance and Insurance
    Finance and Insurance
  3. Transportation & Warehousing
    Transportation & Warehousing
  4. Health Care & Social Assistance
    Health Care & Social Assistance
  5. Educational Services
    Educational Services
  6. Management of Companies & Enterprises
    Management of Companies & Enterprises
  7. Public Administration
    Public Administration
  8. Retail Trade
    Retail Trade
  9. Wholesale Trade
    Wholesale Trade
  10. Accommodation & Food Services
    Accommodation & Food Services
  11. Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
    Administrative, Support, Waste Management & Remediation Services
  12. Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
    Agriculture, Forestry Fishing & Hunting
  13. Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
    Arts, Entertainment & Recreation
  14. Construction
    Construction
  15. Information
    Information
  16. Mining
    Mining
  17. Other Services (except Public Administration)
    Other Services (except Public Administration)
  18. Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
    Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services
  19. Real Estate Rental & Leasing
    Real Estate Rental & Leasing
  20. Utilities
    Utilities

Focus on What Matters

  1. See Everything.
  2. Identify True Risk.
  3. Proactively Mitigate Threats.

Let's talk!

background
Armis Vulnerability Intelligence Database