CVE-2013-4238
SSL Spoofing Vulnerability in Python
- CVSS 4.3
- CWE-20: Improper Input Validation
- Cryptographic
- Remote
The ssl.match_hostname function in the SSL module in Python 2.6 through 3.4 does not properly handle a '\0' character in a domain name in the Subject Alternative Name field of an X.509 certificate, which allows man-in-the-middle attackers to spoof arbitrary SSL servers via a crafted certificate issued by a legitimate Certification Authority, a related issue to CVE-2009-2408.
- CVSS base score
- 4.3
- Published
- 2013-08-18
- OWASP
- A04 Insecure Design
- Orthogonal defect classification
- Checking
- Code defect classification
- Incorrect Check
- Category
- Cryptographic
- Subcategory
- Improper SSL/TLS Certificate Validation
- Accessibility scope
- Remote
- Impact
- Denial of Service (DoS)
- Fixed by upgrading
- Yes
Solution
Upgrade to a Python version above 3.4.
Vulnerable code sample
import sqlite3
def get_user_data(user_id):
# VULNERABLE: Direct string formatting in SQL query
# This allows SQL injection attacks
conn = sqlite3.connect('users.db')
cursor = conn.cursor()
query = f"SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = {user_id}"
cursor.execute(query)
result = cursor.fetchall()
conn.close()
return result
# Example of vulnerable usage:
# malicious_id = "1; DROP TABLE users; --"
# get_user_data(malicious_id) # SQL injection attack!Patched code sample
import sqlite3
import logging
def get_user_data(user_id):
# SECURE: Use parameterized queries and input validation
conn = sqlite3.connect('users.db')
cursor = conn.cursor()
try:
# Validate input type
if not isinstance(user_id, (int, str)):
raise ValueError("Invalid user ID type")
# Convert to int to ensure it's numeric
user_id = int(user_id)
# Use parameterized query to prevent SQL injection
query = "SELECT * FROM users WHERE id = ?"
cursor.execute(query, (user_id,))
result = cursor.fetchall()
return result
except (ValueError, sqlite3.Error) as e:
logging.error(f"Database error: {e}")
return []
finally:
conn.close()
# Example of secure usage:
# user_data = get_user_data(123) # Safe parameterized query
# user_data = get_user_data("123") # Also safe - validated and convertedCite this entry
@misc{vaitp:cve20134238,
title = {{SSL Spoofing Vulnerability in Python}},
author = {Bogaerts, Fr\'ed\'eric and Ivaki, Naghmeh and Fonseca, Jos\'e},
year = {2013},
note = {VAITP Python Vulnerability Dataset, entry CVE-2013-4238},
howpublished = {\url{https://netpack.pt/vaitp/vulnerability/CVE-2013-4238/}}
}Introducing the "VAITP dataset": a specialized repository of Python vulnerabilities and patches, meticulously compiled for the use of the security research community. As Python's prominence grows, understanding and addressing potential security vulnerabilities become crucial. Crafted by and for the cybersecurity community, this dataset offers a valuable resource for researchers, analysts, and developers to analyze and mitigate the security risks associated with Python. Through the comprehensive exploration of vulnerabilities and corresponding patches, the VAITP dataset fosters a safer and more resilient Python ecosystem, encouraging collaborative advancements in programming security.
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