CVE-2018-16425 : What You Need to Know
Learn about CVE-2018-16425, a double free vulnerability in OpenSC before 0.19.0-rc1, allowing attackers to crash applications and potentially cause denial of service. Find mitigation steps and preventive measures here.
OpenSC before 0.19.0-rc1 is vulnerable to a double free issue in the function sc_pkcs15emu_sc_hsm_init, potentially leading to denial of service or other unpredictable outcomes.
Understanding CVE-2018-16425
What is CVE-2018-16425?
The vulnerability in OpenSC before 0.19.0-rc1 allows attackers to exploit manipulated smartcards, causing application crashes and potential security risks.
The Impact of CVE-2018-16425
The double free vulnerability in OpenSC before 0.19.0-rc1 can result in a denial of service, leading to system instability and potential security breaches.
Technical Details of CVE-2018-16425
Vulnerability Description
The vulnerability arises from improper handling of responses from an HSM Card in sc_pkcs15emu_sc_hsm_init in libopensc/pkcs15-sc-hsm.c.
Affected Systems and Versions
- Product: Not applicable
- Vendor: Not applicable
- Versions: All versions before 0.19.0-rc1
Exploitation Mechanism
Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by providing crafted smartcards, triggering a double free issue and causing a denial of service or other potential impacts.
Mitigation and Prevention
Immediate Steps to Take
- Update OpenSC to version 0.19.0-rc1 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
- Avoid using untrusted smartcards to prevent exploitation.
Long-Term Security Practices
- Regularly update software and firmware to address security vulnerabilities.
- Implement strict access controls and monitoring to detect and prevent unauthorized access.
Patching and Updates
Apply security patches and updates provided by OpenSC to address the double free vulnerability and enhance system security.