CVE-2007-5502 in FIPS Object Module
Summary
by MITRE
The PRNG implementation for the OpenSSL FIPS Object Module 1.1.1 does not perform auto-seeding during the FIPS self-test, which generates random data that is more predictable than expected and makes it easier for attackers to bypass protection mechanisms that rely on the randomness.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/28/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2007-5502 affects the OpenSSL FIPS Object Module version 1.1.1 and represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic random number generation process. This flaw specifically impacts the FIPS 140-2 compliance framework implementation within OpenSSL, where the pseudo-random number generator fails to properly initialize its seeding mechanism during the FIPS self-test phase. The issue stems from the module's inability to automatically seed the random number generator during the validation process, creating a predictable entropy source that undermines the security assurances typically provided by FIPS-compliant cryptographic implementations.
The technical flaw manifests in the PRNG implementation where the auto-seeding functionality is disabled or improperly configured during the FIPS self-test execution. This results in the generation of random data that exhibits significantly weaker entropy characteristics than required for cryptographic security. According to CWE-330, this represents a weakness in entropy sources that can lead to predictable random number generation, directly impacting the cryptographic strength of the system. The vulnerability creates a scenario where attackers can potentially predict or reconstruct the random sequences used for cryptographic key generation, session identifiers, or other security-critical random values.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is substantial as it directly compromises the security mechanisms that depend on strong random number generation. Systems relying on the OpenSSL FIPS Object Module for cryptographic operations become vulnerable to attacks that exploit the predictable randomness, potentially leading to key recovery, session hijacking, or bypass of authentication mechanisms. This weakness particularly affects applications that require FIPS 140-2 compliance, as the module's failure to properly seed during self-tests means that the cryptographic operations may not meet the required security standards. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1083, where adversaries may exploit weak entropy sources to bypass security controls, and T1583, as it affects the underlying cryptographic infrastructure that security tools depend upon.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2007-5502 require immediate updates to the OpenSSL FIPS Object Module to ensure proper auto-seeding during FIPS self-tests. Organizations should implement comprehensive testing procedures to validate that random number generation meets FIPS 140-2 requirements before deployment. System administrators must verify that the updated module performs proper seeding during initialization and self-test phases, ensuring that entropy sources are adequately mixed and that the random number generator produces cryptographically strong output. Additionally, security teams should monitor for any applications that may be using the vulnerable module and ensure proper fallback mechanisms or alternative cryptographic implementations are available. The remediation process should include thorough validation of the FIPS compliance status and verification that all cryptographic operations within the system maintain the required security guarantees as defined by the FIPS 140-2 standard.