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Use of an insecure channel - useSslProtocol()

Description​

The application uses useSslProtocol() function, which allows the trust manager to trust all server certificates presented to it, this is convenient for local development, but is not recommended for use in production, as it does not provide protection against man-in-the-middle attacks.

Impact​

Intercept sensitive information over an insecure channel.

Recommendation​

Preferably make use of useSslProtocol(SSLContext).

Threat​

Anonymous attacker on the internal network running a MitM.

Expected Remediation Time​

⌚ 15 minutes.

Score​

Default score using CVSS 3.1. It may change depending on the context of the vulnerability.

Base​

  • Attack vector: A
  • Attack complexity: H
  • Privileges required: N
  • User interaction: R
  • Scope: U
  • Confidentiality: L
  • Integrity: N
  • Availability: N

Temporal​

  • Exploit code madurity: P
  • Remediation level: O
  • Report confidence: X

Result​

  • Vector string: CVSS:3.1/AV:A/AC:H/PR:N/UI:R/S:U/C:L/I:N/A:N/E:P/RL:O/RC:X
  • Score:
    • Base: 2.6
    • Temporal: 2.4
  • Severity:
    • Base: Low
    • Temporal: Low

Code Examples​

Compliant code​

The application uses safe communication channels

sock = tcp_connect(host, port, intention)
ssl_ctx = ssl.SSLContext(protocol=TLSv1.3)
ssl_protocol = useSslProtocol(SSLContext = ssl_ctx)
ssl_sock = ssl_ctx.wrap_socket(sock, do_handshake_on_connect=False)
try:
  ssl_sock.do_handshake()
except ConnectionResetError as error:
  socket_has_errors = True
return None
return ssl_sock

Non compliant code​

The application uses unsafe communication channels, like the useSslProtocol without a defined Context

sock = tcp_connect(host, port, intention)
ssl_ctx = ssl.SSLContext()
ssl_protocol = useSslProtocol()
ssl_sock = ssl_ctx.wrap_socket(sock, do_handshake_on_connect=False)
try:
  ssl_sock.do_handshake()
except ConnectionResetError as error:
  socket_has_errors = True
  return None
return ssl_sock

Requirements​

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