CVE-2020-16150 : What You Need to Know

A Lucky 13 timing side channel vulnerability in mbedtls_ssl_decrypt_buf in Trusted Firmware Mbed TLS through version 2.23.0 allows attackers to recover secret key information.

Understanding CVE-2020-16150

This CVE involves a timing side channel vulnerability in Mbed TLS that can lead to the exposure of secret key information.

What is CVE-2020-16150?

The CVE-2020-16150 vulnerability is a Lucky 13 timing side channel issue in the mbedtls_ssl_decrypt_buf function in the library/ssl_msg.c file of Trusted Firmware Mbed TLS up to version 2.23.0. It enables attackers to retrieve secret key details due to a timing discrepancy related to padding length in CBC mode.

The Impact of CVE-2020-16150

The exploitation of this vulnerability can result in the unauthorized disclosure of sensitive secret key information, potentially compromising the security and confidentiality of encrypted data.

Technical Details of CVE-2020-16150

This section provides more in-depth technical insights into the CVE-2020-16150 vulnerability.

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from a Lucky 13 timing side channel in the mbedtls_ssl_decrypt_buf function, allowing threat actors to exploit timing differences to extract secret key material.

Affected Systems and Versions

Vendor: n/a
Product: n/a
Versions: All versions up to and including 2.23.0 are affected.

Exploitation Mechanism

The vulnerability can be exploited in CBC mode due to the time difference calculated based on the padding length, enabling attackers to deduce secret key information.

Mitigation and Prevention

To address CVE-2020-16150 and enhance overall security, consider the following mitigation strategies:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update Mbed TLS to a patched version that addresses the Lucky 13 timing side channel vulnerability.
Monitor for any unauthorized access or data exfiltration attempts.

Long-Term Security Practices

Implement secure coding practices to prevent similar timing side channel vulnerabilities.
Conduct regular security assessments and audits to identify and remediate potential security weaknesses.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories and updates from the Mbed TLS project to promptly apply patches and enhancements.