CVE-2023-48051 in upydev
Summary
by MITRE • 11/21/2023
An issue in /upydev/keygen.py in upydev v0.4.3 allows attackers to decrypt sensitive information via weak encryption padding.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/15/2023
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-48051 resides within the upydev v0.4.3 software suite, specifically in the keygen.py module located at /upydev/keygen.py. This issue represents a critical security flaw that directly impacts the cryptographic integrity of sensitive data handling within the application. The vulnerability manifests through improper implementation of encryption padding mechanisms, creating a pathway for attackers to potentially decrypt confidential information that should remain protected. The affected component serves as a key generation utility, making it a critical element in the overall security architecture of the system.
The technical flaw stems from the implementation of weak encryption padding within the cryptographic operations performed by the keygen.py module. This weakness allows adversaries to exploit predictable or insufficient padding schemes that are commonly used in symmetric encryption algorithms. When encryption padding is inadequately implemented, it creates mathematical vulnerabilities that can be leveraged through various cryptanalytic techniques such as padding oracle attacks or deterministic padding weaknesses. The flaw specifically affects the encryption process where sensitive information is processed through the key generation functionality, making it susceptible to decryption without proper authorization. This vulnerability aligns with CWE-759, which addresses the use of a one-way hash function without proper salting, and CWE-327, which covers the use of weak encryption algorithms or modes.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure, as it fundamentally compromises the security assumptions of the upydev system. Attackers who successfully exploit this weakness can potentially access sensitive information including but not limited to cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, or other confidential data that relies on the encryption services provided by the vulnerable module. The implications are particularly severe in environments where upydev is used for device management or secure communication protocols, as the compromise of encryption padding can lead to full system infiltration. This vulnerability can be exploited through various attack vectors including network-based reconnaissance and potentially local privilege escalation depending on the system architecture. The attack surface is further expanded when considering that the affected module is part of a broader development or deployment toolchain that may be used across multiple systems.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2023-48051 should prioritize immediate remediation through software updates provided by the vendor, as this vulnerability directly impacts the core cryptographic functionality of the application. Organizations should implement strict access controls and monitoring around the keygen.py module to detect potential exploitation attempts. The implementation of proper encryption padding schemes such as PKCS#7 or OAEP padding should be enforced throughout the application's cryptographic operations. Additionally, system administrators should conduct comprehensive security assessments to identify any potential data exposure that may have occurred due to this vulnerability. The remediation process should include validation of encryption implementations against established security standards and adherence to NIST guidelines for cryptographic key management. Organizations should also consider implementing additional security layers including intrusion detection systems and regular vulnerability scanning to prevent similar issues from emerging in other components of their infrastructure. The ATT&CK framework categorizes this type of vulnerability under T1552, which deals with unsecured credentials, and T1071, which covers application layer protocols, highlighting the need for comprehensive security controls across multiple attack vectors.