Wolfssl: Out-of-bounds Read
CVE-2022-42905 is a critical-severity out-of-bounds read vulnerability in Wolfssl, with a CVSS 3.1 base score of 9.1 out of 10. It can be exploited remotely over the network by an unauthenticated attacker, without any action from a user. The record lists version 5.5.2 as the first without the flaw, so updating Wolfssl to that release or later removes the exposure. There is no confirmed exploitation so far. EPSS estimates a 2.47% chance of exploitation within 30 days, higher than 85% of scored CVEs.
Critical severity: a successful attack would have severe impact.
What to do
- Update Wolfssl to 5.5.2 or a later version.
- Read the advisory on wolfssl.com for workarounds and exact fixed builds.
- Until you can update, restrict network access to the affected service so it is not reachable from untrusted networks.
Affected products and versions
Version data comes from NVD's product matching. Confirm against the vendor advisory before deciding you are unaffected.
How the severity score breaks down
- Attack vector
- NetworkCan be exploited remotely over a network, including the internet.
- Attack complexity
- LowNo special conditions are needed; the attack works reliably.
- Privileges required
- NoneNo account or login is needed.
- User interaction
- NoneNo action by a victim is required.
- Scope
- UnchangedImpact stays within the vulnerable component.
- Confidentiality
- HighAll data handled by the component can be read.
- Integrity
- NoneNothing can be modified.
- Availability
- HighThe component can be taken down completely.
Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:N/AC:L/PR:N/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:N/A:H. Scored by NVD.
| Scoring system | Score | Severity | Scored by |
|---|---|---|---|
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.1 | Critical | NVD |
| CVSS 3.1 | 9.1 | Critical | CISA (ADP) |
Official description
In wolfSSL before 5.5.2, if callback functions are enabled (via the WOLFSSL_CALLBACKS flag), then a malicious TLS 1.3 client or network attacker can trigger a buffer over-read on the heap of 5 bytes. (WOLFSSL_CALLBACKS is only intended for debugging.)
Source: the CVE record as published by its numbering authority, via NVD and CVE.org.
The underlying weakness: Out-of-bounds Read
The product reads data past the end, or before the beginning, of the intended buffer.
How developers prevent this class of flaw
- Use a language that provides appropriate memory abstractions.
Timeline
- CVE record published.
- CISA published its SSVC assessment (exploitation: none, automatable: yes, technical impact: total).
- Record last changed materially (score, affected products, status or references).
References
Patches and release notes
- github.com/wolfSSL/wolfssl/releasesRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory
- github.com/wolfSSL/wolfssl/releases/tag/v5.5.2-stableRelease Notes, Third Party Advisory
Third-party and government advisories
- packetstormsecurity.com/files/170610/wolfSSL-WOLFSSL_CALLBACKS-Heap-Buffer-Over-Read.htmlThird Party Advisory
- seclists.org/fulldisclosure/2023/Jan/11Mailing List, Third Party Advisory
Other vulnerabilities in Wolfssl
- 8.2 High severity
- 8.3 High severity
- 9.1 Critical severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
Recent Out-of-bounds Read vulnerabilities
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.1 High severity
- 7.8 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
- 7.5 High severity
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