CVE-2009-1603 in OpenSC
Summary
by MITRE
src/tools/pkcs11-tool.c in pkcs11-tool in OpenSC 0.11.7, when used with unspecified third-party PKCS#11 modules, generates RSA keys with incorrect public exponents, which allows attackers to read the cleartext form of messages that were intended to be encrypted.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/05/2019
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2009-1603 affects the OpenSC project's pkcs11-tool utility version 0.11.7, specifically within the src/tools/pkcs11-tool.c component. This issue manifests when the tool interacts with third-party PKCS#11 modules, creating a security gap that undermines cryptographic integrity. The flaw stems from improper handling of RSA key generation parameters, particularly the public exponent value, which becomes incorrectly configured during the key creation process.
The technical root cause involves the pkcs11-tool utility failing to properly validate or set the public exponent value when generating RSA keys through third-party PKCS#11 modules. This misconfiguration results in RSA keys being generated with incorrect public exponents, typically defaulting to values that compromise the cryptographic security of the generated keys. The vulnerability represents a critical flaw in cryptographic key generation that directly impacts the confidentiality guarantees of encrypted communications.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability creates a significant risk for systems relying on OpenSC for PKCS#11 operations, particularly those using third-party cryptographic modules. Attackers exploiting this weakness can potentially decrypt messages that were intended to remain confidential, effectively breaking the encryption scheme. The impact extends beyond simple data exposure as it undermines the fundamental trust model of public key cryptography, allowing unauthorized parties to access cleartext information that should remain protected.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-327, which addresses the use of weak cryptographic algorithms, and relates to CWE-310, concerning cryptographic key generation issues. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability maps to T1552.004, which covers unsecured cryptographic keys, and T1552.001, involving unsecured credentials. The attack surface is particularly concerning in environments where OpenSC is deployed for smart card operations, token management, or HSM integration with third-party cryptographic providers.
Mitigation strategies should focus on immediate patching of OpenSC to versions that address the public exponent handling issue. Organizations should also implement strict validation procedures for PKCS#11 module compatibility and consider implementing additional cryptographic key verification mechanisms. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous key generation patterns, and systems should be audited to ensure proper cryptographic key management practices are maintained. The vulnerability highlights the importance of thorough testing when integrating third-party cryptographic modules with established security toolchains.