CVE-2021-4160: BN_mod_exp may produce incorrect results on MIPS
OpenSSL could provide weaker than expected security, caused by a carry propagation flaw in the MIPS32 and MIPS64 squaring procedure. An attacker could exploit this vulnerability to launch further attacks on the system
Other sources
There is a carry propagation bug in the MIPS32 and MIPS64 squaring procedure. Many EC algorithms are affected, including some of the TLS 1.3 default curves. Impact was not analyzed in detail, because the pre-requisites for attack are considered unlikely and include reusing private keys. Analysis suggests that attacks against RSA and DSA as a result of this defect would be very difficult to perform and are not believed likely. Attacks against DH are considered just feasible (although very difficult) because most of the work necessary to deduce information about a private key may be performed offline. The amount of resources required for such an attack would be significant. However, for an attack on TLS to be meaningful, the server would have to share the DH private key among multiple clients, which is no longer an option since CVE-2016-0701. This issue affects OpenSSL versions 1.0.2, 1.1.1 and 3.0.0. It was addressed in the releases of 1.1.1m and 3.0.1 on the 15th of December 2021. For the 1.0.2 release it is addressed in git commit 6fc1aaaf3 that is available to premium support customers only. It will be made available in 1.0.2zc when it is released. The issue only affects OpenSSL on MIPS platforms. Fixed in OpenSSL 3.0.1 (Affected 3.0.0). Fixed in OpenSSL 1.1.1m (Affected 1.1.1-1.1.1l). Fixed in OpenSSL 1.0.2zc-dev (Affected 1.0.2-1.0.2zb).
Affected Software
Remediation
Patch Available
Event History
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CVE-2021-4160?
CVE-2021-4160 is a vulnerability in OpenSSL that could provide weaker than expected security caused by a carry propagation flaw in the MIPS32 and MIPS64 squaring procedure.
What is the severity of CVE-2021-4160?
The severity of CVE-2021-4160 is medium, with a severity value of 6.7.
Which software versions are affected by CVE-2021-4160?
OpenSSL versions 1.0.2 to 1.0.2zb, 1.1.1 to 1.1.1m, and 3.0.0 are affected by CVE-2021-4160.
How can I fix CVE-2021-4160?
To fix CVE-2021-4160, update OpenSSL to version 1.0.2zc, 1.1.1n, or 3.0.11.
Where can I find more information about CVE-2021-4160?
You can find more information about CVE-2021-4160 in the commitdiff and security advisory links provided.