DBSA:2014-0008

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Digibase Security Advisory - OpenSSL "Heartbleed" Vulnerability - Server Administrators

Keywords: SSL, TLS, Vulnerability, Data Exposure, HTTPS, OpenSSL

DBSA ID: 2014-0008

Regarding: OpenSSL "Heartbleed" Vulnerability - Server Administrators

Writeup: Kradorex Xeron (talk) 10:05, 11 April 2014 (EDT)

Date: 2014 04 11

Last Modified: 20140411100539 by Kradorex Xeron

Who should take note: Server Administrators

Classification

Priority: HIGH

Rationale: Information could have been compromised by third parties, immediate attention is required.

Severity: HIGH

Rationale: Information disclosed may be utilized and leveraged to compromise user accounts across multiple sites.

Spread of Issue: MULTI-PLATFORM HIGH

Rationale: Affects multiple server platforms given the deployment of OpenSSL.

Description

OpenSSL is a popular program and library set used to deploy the Secure Sockets Layer and Transport Security Layer protocols. Recently there was a vulnerability in the 1.0.1 version series server implementation of OpenSSL whereas a client could utilize the "Heartbeat" mechanism used to keep connections alive to read server memory by requesting a longer resource than was input, thus causing the server to read back the requested length of data, leading to data unrelated to that connection being disclosed. This disclosure can include anything from private encryption keys to usernames and passwords transmitted over encrypted means.

This issue includes any front-end load balancers, proxies, routers, VPN termination systems or like systems that utilize OpenSSL to encrypt user connections.

Servers utilizing 1.0.0 and prior do not implement the Heartbeat mechanism and therefore not effected.

Mitigation/Solution

Server and System Administrators effected are advised to update OpenSSL to version 1.0.1g immediately if they are utilizing a 1.0.1 series version and then fully regenerate their certificate chain. Regenerating certificates alone is insufficient, it is required that administrators also re-key their certificates with a different key, generating a new signing request in the process. It is also advised that administrators consult their certificate authority to determine if there is an ability to have this new signing request signed without the normal fees given the gravity of this situation.

Once the aforementioned is completed, server administrators should release a statement to their users requesting any information such as passwords or secrets like secret questions be changed in full.

If a server is not effected, a server administrator should release a statement explicitly stating that the platform does not utilize the effected software or libraries so that users may be aware.

If a server or device cannot be updated due to lack of access, it is advised to contact the vendor or supplier for a software update immediately.

Server Administrators may utilize the detection tool noted to test their server if it is Internet-connected.

References