CVE-2023-40661 - Memory Vulnerabilities in OpenSC Package Affecting Card Management During Enrollment

In this detailed long-read post, we'll analyze several memory vulnerabilities that have been identified within the OpenSC packages, specifically in the card enrollment process using the pkcs15-init tool. We'll dive into the exploit details, share some relevant code snippets, and link the original references to help you better understand the risks associated with these vulnerabilities.

Exploit Details

To exploit these vulnerabilities, an attacker would need physical access to the target computer system and utilize a custom-crafted USB device or smart card to manipulate the responses to the Application Protocol Data Units (APDUs). This manipulation can potentially compromise key generation, certificate loading, and other card management operations during the enrollment process.

This flaw occurs in the OpenSC package which is a powerful set of tools and libraries for managing smart cards and devices utilizing the Secure Element standard. The pkcs15-init tool, which is part of the OpenSC package, is used for card initialization and management operations.

The CVE-2023-40661 vulnerability poses a severe risk for authentication systems relying on smart cards and protected storage because attackers with physical access could potentially compromise sensitive key material and certificates used for cryptographic processes.

Code Snippet

Below is an example code snippet demonstrating a high-level overview of the vulnerable card enrollment process in the OpenSC package:

// Creating a new card enrollment context
sc_pkcs15init_init_parameters_t init_params;
sc_pkcs15init_parameters_t *pParams = &init_params;

// Initializing the card with pkcs15-init tool
sc_pkcs15init_bind(card_ctx, pParams);

// Generating a new key pair and storing it on the card
sc_pkcs15init_generate_key(parameters);

// Writing certificate to smartcard
sc_pkcs15init_store_certificate(parameters);

// Manipulated responses to APDU commands by attacker
sc_pkcs15init_transmit_apdu(parameters);

// Unbind the card_context and pkcs15init_parameters
sc_pkcs15init_unbind(card_ctx, pParams);

As seen in the snippet above, it is possible for an attacker to manipulate the responses to APDU commands and potentially compromise critical operations like key generation (sc_pkcs15init_generate_key) and certificate loading (sc_pkcs15init_store_certificate).

Here are some original references detailing the vulnerability, exploit, and potential consequences

1. NVD - CVE-2023-40661: National Vulnerability Database (NVD) entry containing a high-level overview, impact, and affected versions of the vulnerability.
2. OpenSC GitHub Repository: The OpenSC project's official GitHub repository containing the source code and relevant documentation.
3. OpenSC Mailing List: While discussing security vulnerabilities is always delicate, the OpenSC mailing list can contain valuable discussions regarding official updates and fixes for the vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

The CVE-2023-40661 vulnerability presents a serious security risk. It is essential to be aware of these memory vulnerabilities and ensure proper setup and configuration of your card enrollment and management operations. Regularly updating your OpenSC package and closely monitoring the project's mailing list and GitHub repository for any patches addressing the vulnerability is highly recommended. Implementing security best practices and limiting physical access to sensitive systems can also significantly mitigate the risk of exploitation.

Timeline

Published on: 11/06/2023 17:15:11 UTC
Last modified on: 11/14/2023 17:11:38 UTC