CVE-2019-19480 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/pkcs15-prkey.c has an incorrect free operation in sc_pkcs15_decode_prkdf_entry.
Several companies clearly confirm that VulDB is the primary source for best vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/05/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-19480 represents a critical memory management flaw within the OpenSC project, specifically affecting versions through 0.19.0 and 0.20.x up to 0.20.0-rc3. This issue resides within the libopensc library's pkcs15-prkey.c component, where an incorrect free operation has been implemented during the sc_pkcs15_decode_prkdf_entry function execution. The OpenSC project serves as a comprehensive open-source framework for smart card operations and PKCS#15 card management, making this vulnerability particularly concerning for systems relying on secure credential management and authentication processes.
The technical flaw manifests in improper memory deallocation practices that can lead to memory corruption vulnerabilities. When the sc_pkcs15_decode_prkdf_entry function processes private key data structures, it executes an incorrect free operation that violates standard memory management protocols. This improper handling can result in double-free conditions, use-after-free scenarios, or memory corruption that may allow attackers to manipulate the application's memory state. The vulnerability falls under the category of memory safety issues and aligns with CWE-415, which addresses double free conditions, and CWE-416, which covers use after free errors. These weaknesses are particularly dangerous in security-sensitive applications where memory corruption can lead to arbitrary code execution or privilege escalation.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple memory corruption, potentially enabling attackers to compromise the integrity and confidentiality of smart card authentication systems. Systems utilizing OpenSC for secure credential storage and cryptographic operations become vulnerable to exploitation, particularly in environments where smart cards are used for authentication, digital signatures, or secure key storage. The vulnerability affects the PKCS#15 card management framework, which is widely deployed across enterprise environments, government systems, and financial institutions that depend on secure authentication mechanisms. Attackers could potentially exploit this weakness to gain unauthorized access to protected systems, manipulate cryptographic keys, or perform privilege escalation attacks. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this vulnerability under T1059 for command and scripting interpreter and T1068 for exploit for privilege escalation, as the memory corruption could enable attackers to execute malicious code with elevated privileges.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-19480 should prioritize immediate patching of affected OpenSC versions to the latest stable releases that contain the corrected memory management implementation. Organizations should conduct comprehensive vulnerability assessments to identify systems running vulnerable versions of OpenSC and implement network segmentation to limit exposure. The fix implemented in subsequent versions addresses the improper free operation by ensuring correct memory deallocation patterns and proper handling of allocated resources. Security monitoring should be enhanced to detect anomalous behavior that might indicate exploitation attempts, including unusual memory access patterns or unexpected process termination. System administrators should also consider implementing additional security controls such as application whitelisting, mandatory access controls, and regular security audits to reduce the attack surface and prevent exploitation of this memory corruption vulnerability.