CVE-2024-41828 in TeamCity
Summary
by MITRE • 07/22/2024
In JetBrains TeamCity before 2024.07 comparison of authorization tokens took non-constant time
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 07/23/2024
This vulnerability in JetBrains TeamCity versions prior to 2024.07 represents a timing attack susceptibility that undermines the security of authentication mechanisms through non-constant time token comparisons. The flaw occurs during the validation process of authorization tokens where the system performs string comparisons using algorithms that vary in execution time based on input characteristics. This timing variation creates opportunities for attackers to infer information about valid tokens through careful analysis of response times, effectively weakening the authentication security model.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability stems from the use of variable-time string comparison functions rather than constant-time equivalents during token validation processes. When comparing authorization tokens, the system's algorithmic approach causes execution time variations that correlate with the number of matching characters between the provided token and the expected value. This behavior creates a side-channel attack vector where an attacker can measure response times to determine partial or complete token values through statistical analysis and repeated testing attempts.
From an operational impact perspective, this vulnerability enables attackers to perform credential guessing attacks with significantly improved success rates compared to traditional brute force methods. The timing variations allow for the construction of timing-based oracle attacks that can gradually reveal valid authorization tokens through systematic probing. This weakness particularly affects systems relying on token-based authentication where access control decisions are made based on token validation, potentially allowing unauthorized users to gain elevated privileges within the TeamCity environment.
The vulnerability aligns with CWE-203, which specifically addresses "Observable Timing Discrepancy" in security implementations, and demonstrates how timing side-channels can compromise authentication systems. This weakness also maps to ATT&CK technique T1214, "Credentials in Files," as attackers could potentially leverage timing attacks to extract credentials from authentication systems that do not properly implement constant-time comparisons. The impact extends beyond simple credential theft to potential privilege escalation scenarios where attackers might gain access to administrative functions within the TeamCity build management platform.
Organizations should immediately upgrade to TeamCity version 2024.07 or later, which implements constant-time token comparison algorithms to address this vulnerability. System administrators should also implement additional monitoring for unusual authentication patterns and consider deploying intrusion detection systems capable of identifying timing-based attack patterns. Network segmentation and access controls should be reviewed to limit potential damage from successful exploitation attempts, while security teams should conduct comprehensive assessments of other authentication mechanisms within their infrastructure to identify similar timing vulnerabilities that could create comparable attack vectors.