CVE-2010-3864 in OpenSSL
Summary
by MITRE
Multiple race conditions in ssl/t1_lib.c in OpenSSL 0.9.8f through 0.9.8o, 1.0.0, and 1.0.0a, when multi-threading and internal caching are enabled on a TLS server, might allow remote attackers to execute arbitrary code via client data that triggers a heap-based buffer overflow, related to (1) the TLS server name extension and (2) elliptic curve cryptography.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/29/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2010-3864 represents a critical race condition flaw within the OpenSSL cryptographic library that affects multiple versions including 0.9.8f through 0.9.8o, as well as 1.0.0 and 1.0.0a. This issue specifically manifests when OpenSSL operates in a multi-threaded environment with internal caching enabled on TLS servers, creating a dangerous condition that can be exploited by remote attackers to achieve arbitrary code execution. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of concurrent access to shared memory resources during TLS protocol processing, particularly when dealing with server name indication and elliptic curve cryptography extensions.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability involves race conditions occurring in the ssl/t1_lib.c file where multiple threads attempt to access and modify shared data structures simultaneously without proper synchronization mechanisms. When a TLS server processes client data containing server name extension information or elliptic curve cryptography parameters, the concurrent access patterns can lead to heap-based buffer overflows. These race conditions are particularly dangerous because they occur during the normal TLS handshake process when the server is processing client-provided cryptographic parameters. The flaw is categorized under CWE-362 which specifically addresses race conditions in software implementations, where the timing of concurrent operations creates exploitable conditions.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe as it allows remote attackers to execute arbitrary code on vulnerable TLS servers with the privileges of the affected service. This means that an attacker could potentially compromise entire server infrastructures, gain unauthorized access to sensitive data, or establish persistent backdoors. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it can be triggered by legitimate TLS client connections, making detection difficult and exploitation straightforward. Attackers need only send specially crafted client data containing malicious server name indication or elliptic curve parameters to trigger the race condition and subsequent buffer overflow.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2010-3864 include immediate patching of OpenSSL installations to versions that address the race condition issues, typically OpenSSL 0.9.8p, 1.0.0b, or later. Organizations should also consider disabling internal caching mechanisms when multi-threading is enabled, as this reduces the likelihood of encountering the race condition. Network segmentation and monitoring can help detect exploitation attempts, while implementing proper access controls and maintaining up-to-date security patches form the core defensive measures. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1190 which involves exploiting vulnerabilities in software libraries, specifically targeting the cryptographic components that handle TLS communications. Organizations should also consider implementing intrusion detection systems that can identify unusual patterns in TLS handshake processing and monitor for potential buffer overflow exploitation attempts.
The root cause of this vulnerability demonstrates poor concurrent programming practices within OpenSSL's TLS implementation where proper mutex locking and synchronization mechanisms were insufficient to handle the complex interactions between multi-threaded access and internal caching operations. This flaw highlights the importance of thorough testing of concurrent code paths and proper consideration of memory management in cryptographic libraries that handle sensitive data. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical security implications that can arise from seemingly minor implementation details in widely-used cryptographic software components.