CVE-2013-7488 in perl-Convert-ASN1
Summary
by MITRE
perl-Convert-ASN1 (aka the Convert::ASN1 module for Perl) through 0.27 allows remote attackers to cause an infinite loop via unexpected input.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/23/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2013-7488 affects the perl-Convert-ASN1 module, also known as Convert::ASN1, which is a perl library designed for encoding and decoding Abstract Syntax Notation One data structures. This module serves as a critical component in perl applications that require ASN.1 processing, particularly in cryptographic contexts where data serialization and deserialization are essential operations. The flaw exists in versions 0.27 and earlier of this perl module, making it a significant concern for systems that rely on perl-based applications for secure communications and data processing.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from inadequate input validation within the ASN.1 parsing routines of the Convert::ASN1 module. When processing malformed or unexpected ASN.1 input data, the module fails to properly handle certain edge cases that can trigger infinite loops in its parsing algorithms. This occurs because the module's recursive parsing functions do not adequately check for termination conditions or implement proper bounds checking on the input data structure. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the parser encounters certain malformed ASN.1 constructs that cause the parsing logic to repeatedly process the same data elements without advancing the parse position, resulting in an infinite loop that consumes system resources and can lead to denial of service conditions.
From an operational perspective, this vulnerability presents a serious risk to systems that utilize perl applications relying on the Convert::ASN1 module for processing ASN.1 encoded data. The infinite loop condition can be triggered by remote attackers who craft malicious ASN.1 input data and submit it to applications using the vulnerable module. This creates a denial of service scenario where legitimate system resources become consumed, potentially leading to system instability or complete service unavailability. The impact is particularly concerning in environments where perl applications handle cryptographic operations, network protocol processing, or any scenario where ASN.1 data parsing is performed on untrusted input streams. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-835, which specifically addresses the issue of infinite loops in software implementations, and represents a classic example of a resource exhaustion attack vector.
The security implications extend beyond simple denial of service to potentially enable more sophisticated attack vectors. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to consume system resources continuously, making it difficult for legitimate users to access services or for system administrators to perform maintenance operations. The vulnerability is particularly dangerous in high-availability environments where continuous service availability is critical, as the infinite loop could persist until system restarts or manual intervention occurs. Organizations using perl applications with ASN.1 processing capabilities should consider this vulnerability as part of their broader security posture assessment. Mitigation strategies include immediate upgrading to version 0.28 or later of the Convert::ASN1 module, implementing input validation layers in applications that use this module, and deploying monitoring solutions to detect anomalous resource consumption patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability demonstrates the importance of proper input validation and bounds checking in cryptographic libraries, as outlined in various security frameworks including the NIST SP 800-53 security controls and the MITRE ATT&CK framework's approach to resource exhaustion attacks.