CVE-2018-1084 in Corosync
Summary
by MITRE
corosync before version 2.4.4 is vulnerable to an integer overflow in exec/totemcrypto.c.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 02/28/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2018-1084 affects corosync versions prior to 2.4.4 and represents a critical integer overflow condition within the exec/totemcrypto.c source file. This flaw manifests in the cryptographic processing components of the corosync clustering software, which is widely deployed in high-availability environments to maintain cluster consistency and fault tolerance across distributed systems. The integer overflow occurs during cryptographic operations that involve memory allocation and data processing, creating a potential pathway for malicious actors to manipulate memory structures and potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from improper handling of integer values during cryptographic computations within the totem protocol implementation. When processing certain cryptographic inputs, the software fails to properly validate integer boundaries, allowing an attacker to craft inputs that cause integer overflow conditions. This specific flaw falls under CWE-190, which categorizes integer overflow vulnerabilities that can lead to memory corruption and unauthorized code execution. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because corosync operates at the core of cluster communication protocols, making it a prime target for attackers seeking to compromise entire distributed systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it can fundamentally undermine the integrity and availability of high-availability clusters. Attackers exploiting this vulnerability could potentially disrupt cluster operations, gain unauthorized access to cluster nodes, or even achieve privilege escalation within the system. The attack surface is particularly broad given that corosync is utilized in enterprise environments, cloud deployments, and critical infrastructure systems where cluster stability is paramount. The vulnerability's exploitation could result in complete cluster compromise, leading to service outages, data loss, and potential lateral movement within network environments.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2018-1084 primarily focus on immediate software updates to corosync version 2.4.4 or later, which contains the necessary patches to address the integer overflow condition. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify all systems running affected corosync versions and prioritize patching activities accordingly. Network segmentation and monitoring should be implemented to detect potential exploitation attempts, while security teams should establish incident response procedures specifically addressing cluster integrity violations. The vulnerability also highlights the importance of input validation and proper integer boundary checking in cryptographic implementations, aligning with ATT&CK technique T1059.007 for execution through scripting and T1068 for privilege escalation. Regular security audits of clustering software components and adherence to secure coding practices are essential for preventing similar vulnerabilities in future deployments.