CVE-2024-28834

Description

A flaw was found in GnuTLS. The Minerva attack is a cryptographic vulnerability that exploits deterministic behavior in systems like GnuTLS, leading to side-channel leaks. In specific scenarios, such as when using the GNUTLS_PRIVKEY_FLAG_REPRODUCIBLE flag, it can result in a noticeable step in nonce size from 513 to 512 bits, exposing a potential timing side-channel.

Statement

The Minerva attack vulnerability in GnuTLS, as identified through deterministic code behavior, poses a moderate severity risk due to its potential exploitation in cryptographic systems. This vulnerability enables adversaries to infer information about the cryptographic operations by observing subtle variations in nonce sizes, leading to a side-channel attack. The deterministic nature of the code allows attackers to discern patterns in the nonce generation process, thereby compromising the confidentiality and integrity of cryptographic communications. While the impact of this vulnerability may not be immediate or widespread, its exploitation could facilitate targeted attacks against systems relying on GnuTLS for secure communication.

Mitigation

Mitigation for this issue is either not available or the currently available options don't meet the Red Hat Product Security criteria comprising ease of use and deployment, applicability to widespread installation base or stability.

Common Vulnerability Scoring System (CVSS) Score Details

Info alert:Important note

CVSS scores for open source components depend on vendor-specific factors (e.g. version or build chain). Therefore, Red Hat's score and impact rating can be different from NVD and other vendors. Red Hat remains the authoritative CVE Naming Authority (CNA) source for its products and services (see Red Hat classifications).

CVSS v3 Score Breakdown

Red HatNVDcve.org
Base Score5.3N/A5.3
Attack VectorNetworkN/ANetwork
Attack ComplexityHighN/AHigh
Privileges RequiredLowN/ALow
User InteractionNoneN/ANone
ScopeUnchangedN/AUnchanged
ConfidentialityHighN/AHigh
Integrity ImpactNoneN/ANone
Availability ImpactNoneN/ANone

Vector

Red Hat: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

cve.org: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:H/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:N

Understanding the Weakness (CWE)

Confidentiality

Technical Impact: Read Application Data

The confidentiality of sensitive data may be compromised by the use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm.

Integrity

Technical Impact: Modify Application Data

The integrity of sensitive data may be compromised by the use of a broken or risky cryptographic algorithm.

Accountability,Non-Repudiation

Technical Impact: Hide Activities

If the cryptographic algorithm is used to ensure the identity of the source of the data (such as digital signatures), then a broken algorithm will compromise this scheme and the source of the data cannot be proven.

Frequently Asked Questions

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