CVE-2024-53379 in SharkSSL
Summary
by MITRE • 01/24/2025
Heap buffer overflow in the server site handshake implementation in Real Time Logic LLC's SharkSSL version (from 05/05/24) commit 64808a5e12c83b38f85c943dee0112e428dc2a43 allows a remote attacker to trigger a Denial-of-Service via a malformed Client-Hello message.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 01/24/2025
The vulnerability CVE-2024-53379 represents a critical heap buffer overflow within the server-side handshake implementation of SharkSSL, a cryptographic library developed by Real Time Logic LLC. This flaw exists in versions released on or after May 5, 2024, specifically affecting the commit hash 64808a5e12c83b38f85c943dee0112e428dc2a43. The vulnerability manifests during the SSL/TLS handshake process when the server receives a malformed Client-Hello message from a remote attacker, creating a potential vector for remote code execution or system compromise. The heap buffer overflow occurs when the server fails to properly validate input length or bounds during the processing of client handshake parameters, leading to memory corruption that can be exploited to disrupt service availability or potentially execute arbitrary code.
The technical nature of this vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes heap-based buffer overflow conditions where insufficient bounds checking allows attackers to overwrite adjacent memory locations. This flaw operates at the protocol implementation level within the TLS handshake mechanism, specifically targeting the server's handling of client-provided data during the initial connection phase. When a malicious client sends a specially crafted Client-Hello message with oversized or malformed data fields, the SharkSSL implementation does not adequately validate the buffer sizes before copying data into heap-allocated memory regions. This validation failure creates a scenario where attacker-controlled data can overwrite adjacent heap memory, potentially corrupting critical data structures or function pointers that govern the server's operation.
The operational impact of CVE-2024-53379 extends beyond simple denial-of-service conditions, as it represents a significant security risk that could enable remote attackers to disrupt critical services or potentially gain unauthorized access to systems. Servers implementing SharkSSL that are exposed to the internet or untrusted networks become vulnerable to this attack vector, particularly those that accept SSL/TLS connections from unknown clients. The vulnerability's remote exploitability means that attackers do not require physical access or local privileges to trigger the condition, making it particularly dangerous for network services such as web servers, email servers, or any application that relies on SharkSSL for secure communication. The attack can be executed asynchronously, allowing for automated exploitation across multiple targets without requiring active interaction from the victim system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-53379 should prioritize immediate patching of affected SharkSSL implementations to address the heap buffer overflow in the server-side handshake processing. Organizations should implement network-level protections such as rate limiting and connection filtering to reduce the impact of potential exploitation attempts. Additionally, monitoring for unusual Client-Hello message patterns or malformed handshake requests can help detect exploitation attempts before they succeed. The vulnerability's classification under the ATT&CK framework as a remote code execution primitive (T1210) underscores the need for comprehensive defensive measures including network segmentation, intrusion detection systems, and regular security assessments. System administrators should also consider implementing automated patch management processes to ensure timely deployment of security updates and maintain visibility into the cryptographic library versions deployed across their infrastructure.