CVE-2015-1182 in PolarSSL
Summary
by MITRE
The asn1_get_sequence_of function in library/asn1parse.c in PolarSSL 1.0 through 1.2.12 and 1.3.x through 1.3.9 does not properly initialize a pointer in the asn1_sequence linked list, which allows remote attackers to cause a denial of service (crash) or possibly execute arbitrary code via a crafted ASN.1 sequence in a certificate.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/12/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2015-1182 affects PolarSSL versions ranging from 1.0 through 1.2.12 and 1.3.x through 1.3.9, specifically targeting the asn1_get_sequence_of function within the library/asn1parse.c file. This flaw represents a critical security issue that stems from improper pointer initialization during ASN.1 sequence parsing operations, creating potential pathways for remote exploitation that can result in system compromise or service disruption. The vulnerability manifests when processing crafted ASN.1 sequences embedded within certificates, making it particularly dangerous in environments where certificate validation is a core function.
The technical root cause of this vulnerability lies in the asn1_sequence linked list implementation where the pointer variable remains uninitialized during the parsing process. This uninitialized pointer behavior creates a condition where memory access becomes unpredictable, leading to potential memory corruption scenarios that can trigger program crashes or, in more severe cases, allow for arbitrary code execution. The flaw operates at the parsing layer of certificate handling, where the ASN.1 parser processes certificate structures to extract meaningful data for validation purposes. When attackers craft malicious certificates containing specially formatted ASN.1 sequences, the uninitialized pointer can point to arbitrary memory locations, creating opportunities for exploitation through buffer overflows or memory corruption attacks.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-1182 extends beyond simple denial of service conditions to potentially enable remote code execution, making it particularly concerning for systems that rely on PolarSSL for secure communications. Systems using affected PolarSSL versions may experience crashes when processing malicious certificates, leading to service disruption and potential availability issues. The vulnerability's exploitation potential aligns with attack techniques categorized under the MITRE ATT&CK framework, specifically relating to privilege escalation and code injection methods. Organizations implementing PolarSSL in web servers, email systems, or any certificate-based authentication infrastructure face significant risk exposure when operating with vulnerable versions.
Security professionals should consider this vulnerability in relation to CWE-457, which addresses "Use of Uninitialized Variable" in software development practices, and the broader category of memory safety issues that frequently appear in cryptographic libraries. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper memory initialization in cryptographic implementations where malformed input can lead to system compromise. Organizations should immediately upgrade to PolarSSL versions 1.3.10 or 2.0.0 and later, which contain the necessary patches to address the uninitialized pointer issue. Additionally, implementing certificate validation controls and monitoring for suspicious certificate patterns can provide additional defense-in-depth measures against potential exploitation attempts. The vulnerability serves as a reminder of the critical nature of proper memory management in cryptographic libraries and the potential for seemingly minor initialization flaws to create significant security risks.