CVE-2020-12457 : Vulnerability Insights and Analysis

An issue was discovered in wolfSSL before 4.5.0, where it mishandles the change_cipher_spec (CCS) message processing logic for TLS 1.3, leading to a denial of service vulnerability.

Understanding CVE-2020-12457

This CVE identifies a vulnerability in wolfSSL that could be exploited to cause a denial of service.

What is CVE-2020-12457?

The vulnerability in wolfSSL before version 4.5.0 allows an attacker to send crafted ChangeCipherSpec messages, causing the server to get stuck in a loop, resulting in a denial of service.

The Impact of CVE-2020-12457

Exploitation of this vulnerability can lead to a denial of service, rendering the affected server unresponsive to legitimate requests.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-12457

This section provides technical details of the vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The issue arises from mishandling the CCS message processing logic for TLS 1.3 in wolfSSL versions prior to 4.5.0, allowing attackers to trigger a denial of service condition.

Affected Systems and Versions

Product: wolfSSL
Vendor: N/A
Versions affected: All versions before 4.5.0

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability by sending crafted ChangeCipherSpec messages in a specific sequence, causing the server to enter a loop and become unresponsive.

Mitigation and Prevention

Protecting systems from CVE-2020-12457 requires immediate actions and long-term security practices.

Immediate Steps to Take

Update wolfSSL to version 4.5.0 or later to mitigate the vulnerability.
Monitor network traffic for any signs of exploitation.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update software and apply security patches promptly.
Implement network monitoring and intrusion detection systems to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

Patching and Updates

Ensure that wolfSSL is regularly updated to the latest version to address security vulnerabilities and protect systems from potential exploits.