CVE-2024-5124 in chuanhuchatgpt
Summary
by MITRE • 06/06/2024
A timing attack vulnerability exists in the gaizhenbiao/chuanhuchatgpt repository, specifically within the password comparison logic. The vulnerability is present in version 20240310 of the software, where passwords are compared using the '=' operator in Python. This method of comparison allows an attacker to guess passwords based on the timing of each character's comparison. The issue arises from the code segment that checks a password for a particular username, which can lead to the exposure of sensitive information to an unauthorized actor. An attacker exploiting this vulnerability could potentially guess user passwords, compromising the security of the system.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/18/2024
The vulnerability described in CVE-2024-5124 represents a critical timing attack flaw within the gaizhenbiao/chuanhuchatgpt repository that directly undermines authentication security mechanisms. This issue manifests specifically in the password comparison logic where the standard equality operator '=' is employed for password verification processes. The implementation fails to account for the variable time complexity inherent in character-by-character comparison operations, creating a predictable timing pattern that can be exploited by malicious actors. The vulnerability exists in version 20240310 of the software and fundamentally compromises the integrity of the authentication system by exposing timing differences that correlate directly to password correctness.
The technical implementation flaw stems from the use of naive string comparison methods that do not employ constant-time comparison algorithms. When the application processes password verification requests, each character comparison executes with different execution times based on whether characters match or not, creating measurable timing variations. This timing differential provides attackers with sufficient information to perform statistical analysis and systematically deduce password characters through repeated timing measurements. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-203, which specifically addresses "Observable Timing Discrepancy" in security-sensitive operations, and aligns with ATT&CK technique T1212 for "Exploitation for Credential Access" through timing-based attacks. The flaw essentially transforms what should be a constant-time operation into a variable-time process that leaks information about the target password.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple credential theft to encompass broader system compromise potential. An attacker can leverage the timing information to perform offline password guessing attacks with significantly reduced computational overhead compared to traditional brute force methods. The vulnerability creates a scenario where password recovery becomes feasible through timing analysis rather than requiring direct access to password hashes or other system resources. This weakness particularly affects systems where authentication relies on simple string comparison without proper security measures such as constant-time comparison functions. The exposure of password information through timing attacks can lead to unauthorized access to user accounts, potential privilege escalation, and subsequent compromise of the entire system infrastructure. The vulnerability's impact is amplified when considering that it affects the core authentication mechanism of the application, making it a critical target for exploitation.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-5124 must address the fundamental timing discrepancy in password comparison operations through the implementation of constant-time comparison algorithms. Security practitioners should immediately replace the existing password comparison logic with cryptographic libraries that provide timing-attack resistant string comparisons such as those found in the cryptography module's constant_time_compare function or similar implementations. The recommended approach involves updating the codebase to utilize libraries specifically designed for secure string comparisons that ensure identical execution time regardless of input differences. Additionally, system administrators should implement monitoring for unusual timing patterns in authentication requests and consider deploying additional authentication layers including multi-factor authentication to reduce the attack surface. The fix should align with security best practices outlined in NIST SP 800-63B for authentication and access control, ensuring that the implementation follows established security standards for cryptographic operations and timing-sensitive comparisons.