CVE-2023-5625 in python-eventlet
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2023
A regression was introduced in the Red Hat build of python-eventlet due to a change in the patch application strategy, resulting in a patch for CVE-2021-21419 not being applied for all builds of all products.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 12/06/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2023-5625 represents a critical regression in the Red Hat build of python-eventlet that undermines previous security hardening efforts. This issue stems from an erroneous patch application strategy that failed to ensure consistent deployment of security fixes across all product builds. The root cause lies in the methodology used to apply patches, which inadvertently created gaps in the security posture of affected systems. The regression specifically impacts the proper application of a patch originally designed to address CVE-2021-21419, demonstrating how patch management failures can create persistent security weaknesses.
The technical flaw manifests as a failure in the patch application process where security updates intended to remediate vulnerabilities are not consistently applied across all build variants. This regression creates a scenario where some installations of python-eventlet remain vulnerable to the original CVE-2021-21419 while others receive the protection. The inconsistency arises from the change in patch application strategy that was implemented within the Red Hat build process, suggesting that automated or semi-automated patch deployment mechanisms were altered in a way that breaks backward compatibility or introduces new failure modes. This type of vulnerability directly relates to CWE-1037 which addresses inadequate patch management and CWE-693 which covers protection mechanism failures.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple security exposure, as it creates a false sense of security among system administrators who may believe their systems are protected when they are not. Organizations using Red Hat builds of python-eventlet may experience varying levels of protection across their infrastructure, making it difficult to maintain consistent security postures. The regression affects not just individual applications but entire product lines that depend on python-eventlet for concurrent networking operations, potentially exposing sensitive data and system resources to exploitation. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to bypass existing security controls, particularly in environments where python-eventlet is used for network service implementations. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566 which covers credential access through exploitation of software vulnerabilities, and T1068 which addresses local privilege escalation through software flaws.
The mitigation strategy for CVE-2023-5625 requires immediate verification of patch application status across all affected systems and implementation of manual patching where necessary. Organizations should conduct comprehensive audits to identify which builds of python-eventlet are vulnerable and ensure that the original CVE-2021-21419 patch is properly applied to all affected installations. System administrators must review their patch management workflows to prevent similar regressions in the future, potentially implementing additional validation steps to confirm patch integrity and application success. The fix involves restoring the proper patch application strategy that ensures consistent deployment of security updates across all build variants, which may require coordination with Red Hat support teams to obtain corrected build artifacts. Organizations should also implement monitoring to detect inconsistent patch application and establish automated verification processes to prevent such regressions from occurring in future patch cycles, as outlined in the NIST SP 800-128 guidelines for patch management and system hardening.