CVE-2019-19479 in OpenSC
Summary
by MITRE
An issue was discovered in OpenSC through 0.19.0 and 0.20.x through 0.20.0-rc3. libopensc/card-setcos.c has an incorrect read operation during parsing of a SETCOS file attribute.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19479 resides within the OpenSC project's cryptographic library implementation, specifically affecting versions prior to 0.20.0-rc4. This issue manifests in the card-setcos.c component where an incorrect read operation occurs during the parsing of SETCOS file attributes. The OpenSC library serves as a critical middleware component for smart card communication, facilitating secure authentication and cryptographic operations across numerous enterprise and government applications. The affected SETCOS card implementation represents a specific smart card family designed for government and military applications, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for security-sensitive deployments.
The technical flaw stems from improper memory access patterns within the file attribute parsing routine, where the code attempts to read data from memory locations without adequate bounds checking or validation. This incorrect read operation creates a potential for buffer over-read conditions that could be exploited by malicious actors to extract sensitive information from memory or potentially disrupt normal card operations. The vulnerability operates at the level of the cryptographic card driver, where the library processes file metadata and attribute information during card communication sessions. According to CWE classification, this represents a CWE-125: Out-of-bounds Read vulnerability, which falls under the broader category of memory safety issues that can lead to information disclosure or system instability.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it could potentially enable attackers to gain insights into the internal memory structure of SETCOS smart cards or extract cryptographic keys stored in memory. In environments where these cards are used for secure authentication, digital signatures, or encryption operations, such an information leak could significantly weaken overall security postures. The vulnerability affects organizations relying on OpenSC for smart card management, including government agencies, financial institutions, and enterprise security systems that depend on proper card attribute handling. Attackers could leverage this flaw to perform reconnaissance activities, potentially leading to more sophisticated attacks that exploit additional weaknesses in the cryptographic infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1068: Exploitation for Privilege Escalation, as it represents an initial access vector that could be used to gain deeper system insights.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19479 primarily involve upgrading to OpenSC version 0.20.0-rc4 or later, where the problematic read operation has been corrected through proper bounds checking and memory validation procedures. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running affected OpenSC versions and prioritize patch deployment across all smart card infrastructure. Additionally, implementing network segmentation and access controls around smart card readers can limit potential attack surfaces. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect unusual patterns in card communication that might indicate exploitation attempts. The fix implemented in the newer versions demonstrates proper defensive programming practices that align with industry standards for secure coding and memory management, addressing the root cause of the out-of-bounds read condition through comprehensive input validation and boundary checks.