CVE-2016-6485 in Magento
Summary
by MITRE
The __construct function in Framework/Encryption/Crypt.php in Magento 2 uses the PHP rand function to generate a random number for the initialization vector, which makes it easier for remote attackers to defeat cryptographic protection mechanisms by guessing the value.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 09/03/2020
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2016-6485 resides within the Magento 2 e-commerce platform's encryption framework, specifically in the Framework/Encryption/Crypt.php file where the __construct function employs the PHP rand() function for initialization vector generation. This flaw represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic implementation that directly impacts the security of encrypted data processing within the platform. The use of rand() instead of cryptographically secure random number generation methods creates a predictable entropy source that significantly weakens the encryption mechanisms.
The technical flaw stems from the fundamental misunderstanding of cryptographic requirements for random number generation in security-sensitive contexts. The PHP rand() function generates pseudo-random numbers using a simple linear congruential generator algorithm that produces predictable sequences when given sufficient information about the seed value. In the context of encryption initialization vectors, this predictability allows attackers to reconstruct the encryption state and potentially decrypt sensitive information without proper authorization. The vulnerability falls under CWE-330 Use of Insufficiently Random Values, which specifically addresses the use of inadequate random number generation in cryptographic contexts.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data confidentiality breaches to encompass potential full system compromise through various attack vectors. Remote attackers who can predict the initialization vector values may be able to perform chosen plaintext attacks, decrypt sensitive customer data including credit card information, personal identification details, and transaction records. This weakness particularly affects Magento 2 installations where encryption is used for sensitive data storage and transmission, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to exploit the predictable random number generation. The vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1552.004 for Unsecured Credentials and T1005 for Data from Local System, as it enables unauthorized access to encrypted data stores.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2016-6485 require immediate patching of affected Magento 2 installations to ensure proper random number generation is implemented throughout the encryption framework. Organizations should implement the official security patches released by Magento that replace the rand() function with cryptographically secure alternatives such as openssl_random_pseudo_bytes() or random_bytes() functions. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments of all encryption implementations within their Magento environments, verify the correct usage of secure random number generation functions, and implement monitoring mechanisms to detect potential exploitation attempts. The remediation process should also include validating that all encryption keys and initialization vectors are properly generated using approved cryptographic standards and that the platform's security configuration aligns with industry best practices for cryptographic implementation.