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GNUPG LIBGCRYPT VULNERABILITY DISCOVERED

A cybersecurity advisory was issued yesterday, Feb. 1, 2021, regarding a vulnerability in GnuPG Libgcrypt. The vulnerability could allow an attacker to execute arbitrary code, which could potentially lead to a breach.

What It Is:

A vulnerability has been discovered in GNU Libgcrypt, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. Libgcrypt is a generic cryptographic library offered as part of GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG) software suite to provide building blocks for carrying out cryptographic tasks such as encrypting and signing data and communications. It is shipped with most Linux distributions including Ubuntu and Fedora.

Successful exploitation of this vulnerability could result in arbitrary code execution in the context of the affected application. Depending on the privileges associated with the application, an attacker could install programs; view, change, or delete data; or create new accounts with full user rights. Failed exploitation could result in a denial-of-service condition.

Read the original GnuPG bulletins below for more information:

Threat Intelligence:

There are currently no reports of this vulnerability being exploited in the wild.

Systems Affected:

  • GnuPG Libgcrypt 1.9.0

Risk:

Government:

  • Large and medium government entities: High
  • Small government entities: Medium

Businesses:

  • Large and medium business entities: High
  • Small business entities: Medium

Home users: Low

What It Means:

If you and/or your business utilize the GnuPG Libgcrypt version mentioned above, you will need to apply the patched version of libgcrypt to vulnerable systems immediately following proper testing.

Technical Summary:

A vulnerability has been discovered in GNU Libgcrypt, which could allow for arbitrary code execution. This vulnerability is a heap buffer overflow, which occurs due to a wrong assumption in the block buffer management code. To trigger the bug, an attacker can send the Libgcrypt library a block of booby-trapped data to decrypt. Once decrypted, the application would execute the malicious shellcode. No verification or signature is validated to prevent the running of unexpected or malicious instructions in decrypted data.

What To Do:

We recommend the following actions be taken:
  • Apply patched version of libgcrypt to vulnerable systems immediately after appropriate testing.
  • Run all software as a non-privilege user (one without administrative privileges) to diminish the effects of a successful attack.
  • Verify no unauthorized system modifications have occurred on the system before applying the patch.
  • Apply the Principle of Least Privilege to all systems and services.
 

Negative Consequences of Lost or Stolen Data:

The loss or theft of proprietary data can have severe impacts, particularly if the compromise becomes public and sensitive information is exposed. Possible impacts include:
  • Temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information.
  • Disruption to regular operations.
  • Financial losses incurred to restore systems and files.
  • Potential harm to an organization’s reputation.
Should your agency or business need assistance with issues arising from vulnerabilities in GnuPG Libgcrypt including updates and/or patches, Dox can help. Please contact Dox if there is anything we can do to assist in securing your agency, business, or organization.

Thank you for your time and stay safe online.
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