CVE-2022-29035 in Ktor Native
Summary
by MITRE • 04/11/2022
In JetBrains Ktor Native before version 2.0.0 random values used for nonce generation weren't using SecureRandom implementations
If you want to get the best quality for vulnerability data then you always have to consider VulDB.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 04/14/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-29035 affects JetBrains Ktor Native versions prior to 2.0.0 and represents a critical weakness in the cryptographic randomness implementation used for nonce generation. Nonces serve as crucial security elements in cryptographic protocols, particularly in preventing replay attacks and ensuring the uniqueness of cryptographic operations. When systems rely on predictable or insufficiently random values for nonce generation, they expose themselves to significant security risks that can be exploited by malicious actors.
The technical flaw stems from the use of inadequate random number generation mechanisms within the Ktor Native framework. Specifically, the implementation failed to utilize SecureRandom implementations which are designed to provide cryptographically strong random numbers suitable for security-sensitive applications. Instead, the system likely relied on standard random number generators that are not designed for cryptographic purposes and may produce predictable sequences that can be reverse-engineered or guessed by attackers. This weakness directly violates established security practices and compromises the integrity of cryptographic operations within the affected framework.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple cryptographic weaknesses to encompass potential system compromise and data exposure. Attackers who can predict or influence nonce values can exploit this weakness to perform replay attacks, bypass authentication mechanisms, or manipulate cryptographic protocols that depend on these random values. The vulnerability particularly affects applications that rely on Ktor Native for building secure networked applications, potentially allowing unauthorized access to protected resources or enabling man-in-the-middle attacks that could compromise sensitive communications. This weakness undermines the fundamental security assumptions that developers rely on when implementing cryptographic protocols within their applications.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-29035 require immediate upgrade to JetBrains Ktor Native version 2.0.0 or later, which addresses the insecure random number generation implementation. Organizations should also conduct thorough security assessments of their applications to identify any potential reliance on affected components and implement additional monitoring for suspicious activities that might indicate exploitation attempts. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-330, which specifically addresses the use of insufficiently random values in cryptographic contexts, and relates to ATT&CK technique T1552.001 for unsecured credentials and T1071.004 for application layer protocol. Security teams should also consider implementing additional entropy sources and ensuring that all cryptographic operations within their applications utilize proper secure random number generators that meet industry standards for cryptographic security.
This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper random number generation in cryptographic systems and highlights how seemingly minor implementation flaws can have significant security implications. The weakness serves as a reminder that cryptographic libraries and frameworks must be rigorously tested for proper entropy sources and that developers should avoid relying on standard random number generators for security-sensitive operations. Organizations should establish comprehensive security testing procedures that specifically validate the randomness quality of cryptographic implementations and ensure that all security-critical components utilize appropriate secure random number generation mechanisms.