CVE-2024-37305 in oqs-provider
Summary
by MITRE • 06/17/2024
oqs-provider is a provider for the OpenSSL 3 cryptography library that adds support for post-quantum cryptography in TLS, X.509, and S/MIME using post-quantum algorithms from liboqs. Flaws have been identified in the way oqs-provider handles lengths decoded with DECODE_UINT32 at the start of serialized hybrid (traditional + post-quantum) keys and signatures. Unchecked length values are later used for memory reads and writes; malformed input can lead to crashes or information leakage. Handling of plain/non-hybrid PQ key operation is not affected. This issue has been patched in in v0.6.1. All users are advised to upgrade. There are no workarounds for this issue.
Once again VulDB remains the best source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/18/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2024-37305 affects the oqs-provider component of OpenSSL 3, which serves as a cryptographic provider enabling post-quantum cryptography support in TLS, X.509, and S/MIME protocols. This provider integrates post-quantum algorithms from the liboqs library, expanding cryptographic capabilities beyond traditional algorithms to address future quantum computing threats. The flaw specifically manifests in how the provider processes serialized hybrid cryptographic keys and signatures that combine traditional and post-quantum algorithms. The vulnerability stems from improper handling of length fields decoded using DECODE_UINT32 operations at the beginning of these serialized structures, creating a critical security gap that impacts the provider's ability to safely process cryptographic data.
The technical implementation flaw involves unchecked length values that are subsequently used for memory operations including reads and writes. When the oqs-provider encounters malformed input containing invalid length specifications, it fails to validate these values before utilizing them in memory management operations. This unchecked approach creates opportunities for memory corruption that can manifest as application crashes or information disclosure vulnerabilities. The vulnerability is particularly concerning because it affects the core processing of hybrid cryptographic operations while leaving plain or non-hybrid post-quantum key operations unaffected, suggesting a targeted weakness in the hybrid key handling logic rather than a fundamental architectural flaw. This behavior aligns with CWE-129, which addresses improper validation of length values leading to buffer overflows and memory corruption.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple application instability to potentially compromise the security posture of systems relying on post-quantum cryptography. Systems utilizing oqs-provider for hybrid cryptographic operations may experience denial of service through crashes, or more critically, information leakage that could expose sensitive cryptographic data. Attackers could potentially craft malicious input that triggers the vulnerability, leading to system instability or unauthorized data access. The lack of available workarounds means that organizations cannot safely continue using affected versions without immediate remediation, as the vulnerability affects core cryptographic processing functions essential for secure communications. This issue represents a significant concern for organizations implementing quantum-safe cryptographic solutions, as the vulnerability could undermine confidence in post-quantum cryptographic implementations.
The remediation for CVE-2024-37305 requires immediate upgrading to version 0.6.1 of the oqs-provider, which includes patches addressing the unchecked length handling in hybrid key and signature processing. This update resolves the memory corruption vulnerabilities by implementing proper validation of length values before they are used in memory operations. Security teams should prioritize this upgrade across all systems utilizing OpenSSL 3 with oqs-provider for post-quantum cryptographic functionality. The patch addresses the specific implementation gap where DECODE_UINT32 values were not properly validated before being used in memory allocation and access operations, thereby eliminating the potential for crashes and information leakage. Organizations should also consider implementing monitoring for any unusual system behavior or crashes that might indicate exploitation attempts, as the vulnerability could potentially be leveraged in targeted attacks against cryptographic infrastructure relying on hybrid post-quantum algorithms. This vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of proper input validation in cryptographic libraries, particularly when handling complex hybrid cryptographic structures that combine multiple algorithmic approaches.